Getting started at The Edge

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.

The Edge as a space is especially dedicated to providing accessible opportunities for people to engage with fabrication equipment and creative computer software and digital tools.

If you don’t require the specialist computers and creative resources at The Edge, there are a range of computers and meeting rooms available for general use in the main State Library building.  

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. 

HOW DO I ACCESS THE COMPUTERS & EQUIPMENT?

You need to have a current State Library membership and undertake our short General Induction, a short video, to be able to book and use The Edge computers, software, digital equipment and Open lab resources.

You do not need to do the General Induction to book meeting tables. 

By undertaking the General Induction you agree to the terms of use, outlined further below on this page. Patrons cannot remove any equipment or resources from The Edge building without staff permission, or leave items unattended in the space. 

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 regularly run events, skill building workshops and creative programs at The Edge, subscribe to our newsletter to get notified and check out our What’s On for upcoming events.

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 12 pm to 5 pm, Thursday 1.30 pm to 8.00 pm and Saturday 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm 

WHAT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE?  
Members may only use approved materials (including acrylic and 3D filament). State Library provides approved materials for purchase, including ply wood, acrylic and 3D filament. 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. 

AGE REQUIREMENTS
16+ years: may book and use equipment after completing the relevant inductions and booking requirements.

13-15 years: may book and use equipment only with parent/guardian permission and supervision, after they have completed the relevant inductions and booking requirements. Parent/guardian will also need to have completed an induction if they wish to book and use the equipment.

12 and under: must be supervised by parent/guardian who has completed the relevant induction at all times. Children under 12 are not able to complete inductions or book equipment. 

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.