Summer at State Library

Recommended for children aged 0 - 1. Set aside some special time to connect with your baby, meet other families and find out how you can support your little one’s growth and development. Learn fun games, sing songs together and get the latest tips from our First 5 Forever staff. Stay and play from 11 am onwards. 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.

Recommended for children aged 0 - 8. Welcome to Tui ‘n’ Friends where our hearts beat to the rhythm of Pasifika music and culture whilst having fun and bringing joy to families. Join us for traditional and original songs, story telling and dancing. This fun and interactive session will get the whole Aiga (family) dancing! No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. 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. 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.

Recommended for children aged 3 - 8. Come and get creative in The Corner with these family challenges. Depending on what our team have set, you could end up creating your own puppets, building bridges or something completely different! Drop in anytime during the session to join the fun. 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.

Explore 3D modelling in Blender to design your own custom car decorations in this hands-on, two-part workshop. Learn the fundamentals of this industry-standard, open-source 3D design software favoured by hobbyists and professionals alike. In the first session, we’ll visit the Driven exhibition for inspiration, then set up in the Digital Media Lab where you'll get comfortable navigating Blender’s interface and workspaces, then dive into modelling basics. You'll create and manipulate the meshes of simple objects to create car accessories such as a car emblem or badge, which will be 3D printed before your next session. Two weeks later, build on your skills with intermediate modelling techniques to design a more complex piece such as a hood ornament or dashboard decoration. Start from an existing model and customise it to your liking, or bring your own creative vision to life. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the confidence and skills to design your own models in Blender as well as several printed pieces.Please note: You need to have completed a 3D Printing Induction to participate in this workshop. A complimentary 3D Printing Induction will be run from 11am-1pm before the first workshop for those who require it. Before you bookParticipants must be over 16 years of age. Please read through our Getting Started at The Edge page which includes terms of use. You’ll find answers to age restrictions, what to bring, what to do if you’re running late, refunds and more. Please become a State Library member before you arrive. If you already have a State Library member account, make sure you know your login details as you may be required to login during the workshop to access State Library computers, and to make bookings for equipment. Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event and consult State Library of Queensland's conditions of entry before making your booking. To find out more about what else is on offer, read up on The Edge and our make and design space. You can also subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating custom vinyl stickers! In this hands-on two-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of operating a professional-grade vinyl cutter, from file preparation to calibrating the cut, and finally producing a finished piece to apply to anything from a laptop to a skateboard. We're themeing this workshop around the Chinese horoscope, so you'll get to take home your own personalised zodiac sticker!About 101 workshops101 skill development workshops give you the basic skills you need to start your new creative journey. Each workshop is delivered by an experienced facilitator and to participate in the workshops, intermediate computer skills, a willingness to learn and a little patience will see you underway. Before you bookParticipants must be over 16 years of age.Enclosed flat footwear is encouraged when in the Innovation lab. Please read through our Getting Started at The Edge page which includes terms of use. You’ll find answers to age restrictions, what to bring, what to do if you’re running late, refunds and more. Please become a State Library member before you arrive. If you already have a State Library member account, make sure you know your login details as you may be required to login during the workshop to access State Library computers, and to make bookings for equipment. Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event and consult State Library of Queensland's conditions of entry before making your booking. To find out more about what else is on offer, read up on The Edge and our make and design space. You can also subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Join Clint Harvey and Dzintra Menesis of Moveable Type Studio for a two-part workshop that celebrates the tactile beauty of artist books and the enduring craft of letterpress printing.This immersive experience blends archival inspiration, traditional printmaking, and contemporary design tools. Participants will explore the expressive potential of the artist book form—developing, printing, and assembling their own limited edition zine or book. Session 1 – Inspiration & Design You will view some of the elaborate artist books in State Library's collection for inspiration. Learn the fundamentals of letterpress and printmaking, and begin shaping your own book concept. A laser cutter induction will also be available to those who have not yet completed one, so that you can add a modern twist to your final piece - for example, intricately cut individual pages or an engraved cover crafted from wood or acrylic. Session 2 – Print & Assemble Bring your ideas to life in the studio. Working with vintage presses and digital tools, you’ll print your book components and assemble your finished artist book—each one a unique reflection of your creative voice. Details at a GlanceDates: Two Saturdays, 1-5pm on 21 February and 7 MarchLocation: The Edge, State Library of Queensland | Digital Media Lab Eligibility: Ages 16+ (State Library membership required)Cost: $250Equipment Induction Included: Laser CutterFacilitators: Clint Harvey & Dzintra Menesis, Moveable Type StudioBefore you bookParticipants must be over 16 years of age. Please read through our Getting Started at The Edge page which includes terms of use. You’ll find answers to age restrictions, what to bring, what to do if you’re running late, refunds and more. Please become a State Library member before you arrive. If you already have a State Library member account, make sure you know your login details as you may be required to login during the workshop to access State Library computers, and to make bookings for equipment. Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event and consult State Library of Queensland's conditions of entry before making your booking. To find out more about what else is on offer, read up on The Edge and our make and design space. You can also subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Join talks exploring Queensland’s car culture, design, and stories behind the exhibition.

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.

Thought libraries were all about books? You’re in for a surprise.

Throughout December and January The Edge Screens will see a digital showcase of 4ZZZ memorabilia including photos, video, merch designs and more!This exhibition is part of the Stranded program across State Library. Please join us in celebrating five decades of 4ZZZ Radio—Brisbane’s trailblazing community radio station and a champion of independent media. Discover the music, art, fashion, design and radical creativity that have shaped the station and its community since 1975.The images displayed on the screens are from a variety of sources including State Library collections, 4ZZZ's archives, the Zed Folk group on Facebook and more. Photos include a series of images by photographer Peter Fischmann, taken at the first 4ZZZ Market Day held at the University of Queensland 1982. Two bands, Mystery of Sixes and the Pits, played against a wall in the car park. Events included TV smashing and AM radio throwing competitions. Other images featured on the screens include graphic art by Matt Mawson, Jack Tierney, Phoebe Paradise, with photos by Greg Perry, David Lennon, Robert Broeders, Andrew Bartlett, Michelle Brown, Ilana Tulloch and many many more. Full list of credits available on request via appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au, please get in touch if you can help provide any more information that is missing,

Join us for a free exhibition tour of Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai in kuril dhagun. Tours held monthly and alternate with free cultural tours, led by a special guest. About the exhibition: Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai is a profound exhibition honouring the late Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi (1970-2012).Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai brings together 26 of the artist’s most significant and iconic artworks, including rare and never-before-exhibited monoprints, etchings, and linoprints from Djumbunji Fine Art Press and private collections. Curated by Dr Russell Milledge, this retrospective was developed in close consultation with the Billy Missi Estate, family members and friends, highlighting Missi’s critical role in the emergence of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) printmaking as a contemporary art form.The Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai exhibition honours Missi’s artistic legacy and his dedication to maintaining the language and culture of his people. The bilingual exhibition features diverse forms of printmaking and a film, presenting an immersive experience into contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture and customs. Audiences will gain a deep appreciation for Missi’s work, reflecting his way of life, traditions, and enduring legacy.Billy Missi was born on Mabuiag Island and was deeply influenced by the storytelling, song, and dance traditions of his Wagadagam Tribe. Beginning in earnest in the 1990s, his artistic journey combined traditional carving techniques with modern linocut methods, creating a unique aesthetic that earned international recognition before his passing in 2012.Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai is an exhibition developed by NorthSite Contemporary Arts (Gimuy/Cairns) and touring Australia in partnership with Gab Titui Cultural Centre/Torres Strait Regional Authority (Waiben/Thursday Island) and Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program.Where: Meet at the entrance to kuril dhagun, level 1, State Library of Queensland.Please note: There is no need to bring a printed ticket, instead when you arrive your name will be checked off on a registration list. The exhibition is accessible, but should you have any questions please contact exhibitions@slq.qld.gov.au.

Join us for a 30-minute curator's tour of the summer exhibition, Driven: every car has a story.About the exhibition:Take a drive down memory lane, celebrating the milestones we’ve shared with our cars, the adventures across bitumen, sand and dirt, and the enduring passion driven by our love for them.You never forget your first car. The thrill of turning the key for the first time, the radio crackling to life, and the exhilarating sense that the open road is suddenly yours to claim.Cars are part of life’s most unforgettable moments. From a baby’s first trip home, to the flashy ride for your school formal, the vintage wedding car, and even that final farewell in a hearse, our rites of passage often unfold behind the wheel, in the backseat, or right there in the driveway.

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