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Holiday fun

Holiday fun

Join us these summer school holidays for daily fun!

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Holiday fun

Celebrate creativity, culture and all things cars these school holidays with a range of hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities designed to inspire all ages.

In conjuction with the Driven exhibition in slq Gallery, you can enjoy a free screening of Red Dog, make your own car using real tools with Make and Meld, or drop into The Corner for sensory and pretend play, art projects and more everyday of the school holidays.

You can also explore the library through our ever-popular Scavenger hunt or relax with river views in the Reading room. Discover the vibrant First Nations artworks and resources in kuril dhagun by joining us for a lively sing-along every Wednesday at Rhyme time in kuril dhagun.

Ready to plan your visit? Download our summer holiday program to see everything that's on for families and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out about future programs and events.

Download the program

Dream cars

This summer we're celebrating all things cars! Join us for sensory and pretend play, art projects and more everyday of the school holidays.

Adult and child stack found craft materials together to make something. They are smiling.

More free events for families

Scavenger hunt, State Library of Queensland, Joe Ruckli, 2021

Every day · 10am–3pm

Recommended all ages Are you a keen explorer? Are you a master of puzzles? Then get excited and jump into our scavenger hunt. This interactive onsite experience gets you collecting clues and completing challenges to uncover top secret library spaces, learn remarkable history and culture and explore the incredible artworks unique to our building. Go at your own pace in this accessible and family friendly experience designed for all ages and abilities. Pop into the Welcome Desk on level 1 to start your adventure! Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. No booking required for this free activity. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

Rhyme time in kuril dhagun

Rhyme time in kuril dhagun

Every Wed · 10–10:30am

Recommended for children aged 0 - 5. Join us at kuril dhagun for a lively sing-along featuring all your favourite songs and rhymes! Learn some fun games, yarn about the world around us, and discover the vibrant artworks and resources celebrating First Nations people and communities. Did you know a kuril is a native marsupial found near kurilpa point, while dhagun means earth, place or country. Learn to say g’day in one of hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, connect with First Nations stories through specially selected picture books and enjoy the view of the beautiful Maiwar river. No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. First 5 Forever is a family-centred program providing free playful experiences to support Queensland families on their child’s journey through the first 5 years. The program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

Red Dog promo

Booking required

Driven cinema: Red Dog

Fri 9 Jan 2026 · 4–5:30pm

The wandering pooch who healed the heart of a town. Get the tissues ready for the heart-tugging tale of a dog and his travels to the end of the Earth and back, as a dust-covered Kelpie wanders into the mining town of Dampier and into the spirits of each and every one of its residents. Based on the incredible true story, this family film classic is a must see on its return to the big screen.Family friendly, rated PG.

Ticketed fun at State Library

Make + Meld workshops

Junior designers

Wed 14 Jan 2026 · 1–3pm until Jan 23

Recommended ages 5+ Ready, set, create! Take on the challenge of becoming both designer and engineer as you explore push-pull forces, plan your design, and construct a machine with moving parts using real tools. Experiment, build, and watch your ideas come to life. Led by the team at Make + Meld, this workshop is a great way to get creative and learn new techniques in a fun and safe environment. Places are limited and tickets sell fast, so be quick to book! While you're here, take a drive down memory lane and visit our latest summer exhibition Driven in slq Gallery. Fuelled by nostalgia and State Library's remarkable collections, the exhibition brings together a gigantic array of licence plates, eye-catching artworks, historic photographs and fun road signs designed especially for children and families. Before you book All children must be accompanied by an adult during these workshops. Each ticket includes materials and is designed for 1 adult and 1 child to work together. If you would like to make your own or have multiple children in your group you can buy multiple tickets so each person has their own materials kit. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

Make + Meld workshops

Mini car makers

Wed 14 Jan 2026 · 10:30am–12pm until Jan 23

Recommended ages 3+Let your imagination roll as you build your very own little wooden car using nails, screws and glue. Explore loose parts to choose the shape and type of vehicle you want to make, and use real tools to bring your ideas to life. Led by the team at Make + Meld, this workshop is a great way to get creative and learn new skills. Places are limited and tickets sell fast, so be quick to book! While you're here, take a drive down memory lane and visit our latest summer exhibition Driven in slq Gallery. Fuelled by nostalgia and State Library's remarkable collections, the exhibition brings together a gigantic array of licence plates, eye-catching artworks, historic photographs and fun road signs designed especially for children and families. Before you book All children must be accompanied by an adult during these workshops. Each ticket includes materials and is designed for 1 adult and 1 child to work together. If you would like to make your own or have multiple children in your group you can buy multiple tickets so each person has their own materials kit. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

Family fun around State Library

A baby and parent smile and play with a dinosaur toy.

Play Matters in language playgroups

All ages. Enjoy a fun variety of playgroups offered in different languages!

Black and white vinylcut artwork by Billy Missi titled Untitled | Constellation and Kinship, featuring intricate leaf-like patterns connected by bold circular and linear forms, with a central band of stylised motifs running diagonally.

Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai

Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai is a profound exhibition honouring the late Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi (1970-2012).

Family reading picture book, Joe Ruckli, 2023

Every day · 10am–3pm

Recommended all ages Looking for the perfect place to unwind? Nestled into a quiet corner of the library, the reading room is your ultimate family reading retreat. Immerse yourselves in the magic of books as you sink into comfy couches and enjoy the spectacular city views while you dive into the captivating worlds of your favourite stories together. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. No booking required for this free activity. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

Gallery

Discover what our Holiday fun is all about.

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Girl in wheelchair playing with craft at a table

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