- Home
- Getting started at The Edge
/
Getting started at The Edge
The Edge at State Library offers a free and accessible space for makers and designers to book and use the creative resources available with support from skilled staff during our Open lab sessions.
Want to find out how to use the spaces and equipment at The Edge? Find our FAQs and Terms of Use here.
WHAT IS THE EDGE?
The Edge is your home for creativity, ideas and experimentation. Visit our hub at State Library of Queensland to access cutting-edge facilities, workshops, meetups, and exhibitions.
OPENING HOURS
The Edge is open 7-days a week, Monday to Friday midday till 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday midday till 5pm. Our fabrication equipment is only available during Open lab, please see further below for hours and access requirements.
THE BRINK CAFE
Running out of creative energy? The Brink located at The Edge has one of the best views in Brisbane, along with a range of tasty treats and beverages. You can take food and drink into most areas of The Edge, but only bottled water in the Digital Media Lab and Recording studio.
WHAT CAN I DO AT THE EDGE?
Take a look at the range of digital and creative equipment available via our main page, including a range of high spec computers with free creative software, iPads, a bookable Recording Studio and more.
WHAT IF I’M NOT A QUEENSLAND RESIDENT, CAN I STILL USE THE EQUIPMENT?
If you do not live in Queensland, restrictions may apply to some resources. See our Membership page for more information.
BOOKABLE TABLES & SPACES
The Edge hosts a range of bookable and non-bookable spaces for the public, from our window bays overlooking the Brisbane River to large drafting tables. Most of the spaces are available during The Edge opening hours, and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a coffee.
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
We host a range of creative and skills development workshops and events at The Edge, subscribe to our newsletter to get notified and check out our What’s On for upcoming events.
SPECIFIC NEEDS
If you have any specific needs in order to visit The Edge, please contact us at appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au, and we will contact you to discuss your requirements further.
SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING, WHAT DO I DO?
Please alert The Edge reception if you have any issues with the computers or equipment.
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST SOFTWARE OR EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE FEEDBACK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE AT THE EDGE?
You can complete the Feedback form via the Contact us section of the SLQ website, or complete one of our surveys marked around The Edge building.
HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT?
State Library of Queensland is committed to handling complaints in a responsive, efficient, effective, fair and economical way.
WHAT IS OPEN LAB?
The Edge at State Library offers a free and accessible space for makers and designers to book and use the creative resources available with support from skilled staff during our Open lab sessions.
OPENING HOURS
Open lab sessions are Wednesday 1.30 pm to 8.00 pm, Thursday 1.30 pm to 8.00 pm and Saturday 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE DURING OPEN LAB?
The following resources are available to book for free once the appropriate equipment induction has been undertaken, some materials are at an additional cost:
- Two laser cutters
- Prusa 3D printers
- Vinyl cutter
- Sewing machines and overlocker
- Electronics benches included soldering stations
- Hand tools and electronics repair tools
INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Our inductions are very competitive and can take a while to get into, we run as many as we can to accommodate demand while ensuring equipment availability. The best way to book an induction is to subscribe to The Edge newsletter, sent out on the second Tuesday of each month with tickets on sale that Thursday at 6 pm.
I ALREADY KNOW HOW TO USE A SEWING MACHINE; DO I STILL NEED TO DO AN INDUCTION?
Yes, our inductions are focused on our specialised equipment and are to ensure safe operating procedures are followed. Good news is that once you’ve completed the induction, it’s free to book and use the gear.
I NEED HELP WITH THE EQUIPMENT
Have you run through an induction or training but need a refresher or support for something not working? Each of our Open lab equipment has a resource guide available to help you in your creative quest, these are available as printed guides with QR codes and online.
WHAT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE?
Members may only use approved materials (including acrylic and 3D filament). State Library provides approved materials for purchase and the consumable list here. To use a new material, you must submit a request at least 14 days prior to your booking. Note that you will be required to provide a material safety data sheet (SDS) specific to the material, and maybe asked to provide a sample of the material for testing. Please send your request to appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au.
EQUIPMENT USAGE
Equipment may only be operated by the person who has made the booking. Booking cannot be transferred to another user.
DAILY FLEXIBILITY
We restrict advance bookings to make sure everyone has the opportunity to access the facilities. If resources are not in high demand, the Lab supervisors may extend bookings or make the resources available to other people, depending on the circumstances. Refer booking capacity and limits.
TYPES OF WORKSHOPS
We offer a wide range of skill development and creative workshops, from software 101s to hands on making intensives.
HOW DO I GET INTO AN INDUCTION?
The best way to stay up to date with all events at The Edge is to subscribe to enewsletter, which is released on the second Tuesday of each month. Tickets go on sale the Thursday at 6pm after the newsletter is released.
SPECIFIC NEEDS
If you have any specific needs in order to visit or participate in a workshop, please contact us at appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au, and we will contact you to discuss your requirements further.
CANCELLATIONS
Inducted members can manage their own bookings. Advanced notice will be required to cancel bookings, detailed below. Alternatively, you can phone 07 3840 7666 or email appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au.
LATE ARRIVALS
If you are running late for a booked session please let us know in advance, by phoning 07 3840 7666 or emailing appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au If we do not hear from you within 15 mins after the start time, your booking will be cancelled to allow others to use the equipment.
PAYMENTS
Card payments are managed through Eventbrite, which accepts all major credit cards. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash payments. If you need to discuss payment, please call (07) 3840 7666 or email appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au.
TAX RECEIPTS
Our Eventbrite account automatically issues tax receipts. For further information, please contact appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3840 7666.
REFUNDS
Refunds for paid workshops require a minimum of seven days’ notice before the session. Refunds for payments are processed by Eventbrite.
-
Extenuating circumstances: In extenuating circumstances you can request a refund within the seven-day period. Please email appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au who will review and respond within two business days.
-
To request a refund within the 7 day period please email appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3840 7666.
-
All refund requests more than 5 days after a workshop are issued via direct transfer only (no cash refunds). You will be asked to supply your account details for the transfer to take place.
EXCHANGES
For a one-off workshop, an exchange is only possible if you cancel the original booking (with at least 7 days’ notice) and rebook the next available session. We are unable to make exchanges on behalf of ticket holders.
CREDITS
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer credits for unattended workshops, or in place of a refund.
WAIT-LISTS
We do not offer wait-lists for our inductions and workshops. However cancelled tickets are made available once the cancellation process is complete.
CANCELLATIONS (Free events and workshops)
If you have booked a ticket for a free workshop or event but cannot attend, you can cancel your own booking via the Eventbrite system.
You must have read and fully understood this information before using the Space and the Equipment at The Edge, State Library.
The Space and the Equipment must be used responsibly - with understanding of the risks involved and with respect for the rights and interests of others.
RISKS OF USE
People use of the Space and the Equipment at The Edge, State Library is at their own risk.
You acknowledge that the Space contains Equipment that carries risks. Some Equipment is inherently hazardous, or may be operated in a dangerous manner, and may cause harm or injury, including severe and permanent injury.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, State Library excludes or limits all liability, including for negligence and loss or damage to your person or property, and you release State Library, and its staff and contractors, from claims caused by your breach of these terms or any improper use of the Space or the Equipment.
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE SPACE OR THE EQUIPMENT
You may only use the Space and Equipment in a safe manner and according to the Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) and any specific directions of SLQ Staff.
Appropriate footwear must be worn in the space at all times. Additionally, the wearing of flat, enclosed footwear and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE e.g. gloves, goggles, hearing protection) is required by State Library in designated areas. These areas will be designated by signage.
You may not bring any outside Equipment into the Space without the express written consent of State Library.
Unacceptable use includes:
-
Infringing the security of people or property, including:
-
actions or behaviours that harm, or risk or threaten harm, to any person
-
theft, destruction of, damage to (or interference with) equipment, software, or data
-
violation, or attempted violation, of any computer security system
-
violation of privacy, including monitoring of electronic communications
-
unauthorised copying of copyright-protected material, or infringement of licence agreements and other contracts.
-
Publicly displaying material that is offensive or objectionable, such as pornography, expressions of racial hatred, and representations of violence
-
Using another person's library card to circumvent protocols or allowing one's own card to be used for this purpose.
You must not be under the influence of any substances at any time while operating Equipment which may adversely affect you, including alcohol, medication or any illegal substances. Seek advice from medical professionals to determine whether prescription drugs interfere with operational requirements of Equipment.
Unauthorised use may result in immediate exclusion from State Library premises and temporary or permanent loss of access to those services and may also attract prosecution under civil or criminal law.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times by a responsible parent or guardian. Some Spaces and Equipment require supervision for children under the age of 16.
More information:
| Definitions | |
|---|---|
| The Space |
The Edge building contains several discrete but connected spaces:
|
| The Equipment |
Within the Spaces in The Edge building, there is the following Equipment:
|
| Personal Protective Equipment | Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything a client or staff member uses or wears to keep them healthy and safe. |
| Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) | A safe operating procedure is a set of instructions that clearly explain how to perform the task (step-by-step), point out any potential risks involved in the task and will tell you how to eliminate that risk to avoid injury or damage. |