The Ipswich Children’s Library proves how far libraries have come since we were kids. Australia’s only dedicated public Children’s Library features heaps of interactive digital experiences your kids are going to love. We spent a few hours in the new space and can confirm its design is sure to turn even the most reluctant reader into a lifelong learner. Our kids didn’t want to leave the library! What a great problem to have.
The first thing you are going to notice upon entering the new library are the squeals and giggles bursting from super excited kids. Rightfully, this isn’t a place for hushed voices. The kids are busy exploring, creating and dreaming BIG.
>> Watch our video review to learn more about the Ipswich Children’s Library!
Located in the Nicholas Street Precinct, the Ipswich Children’s Library boasts a beautiful space for children aged 0 – 12 years to learn and play. Here’s just a taste of the family fun to be had at the new Ipswich Children’s Library.
Explore the reading tree
There’s over 35,000 great books for kids to discover from the comfort of a expertly crafted ‘tree’ with an in-built cosy reading nook! Our kids are fans of the Faraway Tree books so the design quickly captured their imaginations. There are plenty of cushioned stools around the tree and it is quite a relaxing spot to get lost in a book with plenty of natural light streaming in from the floor to ceiling glass windows.
Feed dinosaurs at the library
If you’ve got a dinosaur fan at your place you can tell them you’re off to feed dinosaurs at the new library. Yes, you read right! Two life-sized dinosaurs call the library home and young explorers can ‘feed’ the resident Plesiosaurs through a interactive pipe experience then watch the ‘food’ (a scarf) zip around the pipes. It’s a heap of fun to track the scarf as it flows through the pipes eventually falling from the tubes. Challenge your kids to catch the scarf on its way back to the ground.
Looking for more dinosaur things to do in Brisbane and beyond? Check out our article here.
See your drawings come to life
Ipswich Children’s Library provides learning opportunities fit for the digital age and a library experience unlike any other in the country. We had a heap of fun watching our drawings come to life using augmented reality. The kids were able to colour in a fish or prehistoric creature, scan it, and watch it appear and move on an ocean backdrop. The awe and pride on their faces as they saw their drawing swim past on the big screen made our visit. Where was this kind of fun when we were kids?!
Discover the magic mirror
Don’t be alarmed, the Magic Mirror is nothing like the one wielded by the evil stepmother in Snow White. This incredible piece of technology allows children to stand in front of the screen and see their reflection as butterflies fly around them. We didn’t manage to catch any butterflies but the thrill of the chase was more than enough to keep us exploring this great piece of tech for at least 5 minutes.
Fun for little library visitors
For children in the early learning years, there is a specially designed multi-touch interactive table with various STEAM games and experiences. It was a struggle to get our two Kindergarten aged children off this activity. They were engrossed immediately and surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly), they knew how to work the table without any adult involvement. Meanwhile, our two-year-old was happy to find a number of puzzles and games located around the Ipswich Children’s Library providing even more hands-on fun for little learners.
Plus plenty of library magic
There’s a huge collection of books, magazines, DVDs and digital resources that have been carefully curated just for kids. As we explored the Ipswich Children’s Library we were excited to find so many great options for all ages. We love that the library provides access for all to the best books, magazines and DVD’s.
Parent and carer space
The Ipswich Children’s Library provides a calming space for families to care for their little ones with comfy chairs, change tables, mini fridge, and microwave. Toilet breaks thankfully do not require the need to leave the library either with facilities provided near the entry.
Heaps of kids-focused programs and events
The new Ipswich Children’s Library is the perfect venue for live entertainment, crafting activities and school holiday programs. They have plans to do all of these fun things for kids and more. Keep up to date with what’s on at the Ipswich Children’s Library here.
We were lucky to catch PJ Masks on stage at Tulmur Place, just outside the Ipswich Children’s Library when we visited during the Winter school holidays.
Where is the Ipswich Children’s Library?
You will find the library right in the heart of the impressive and very family friendly Nicholas Street Precinct. The Library is located on the ground floor of the new 1 Nicholas Street council administration building.
We found the secure undercover parking off Bremer Street really easy to access. The first three hours are FREE Mon to Fri or after 5pm week days and on weekends. There is lift and stair access available up to the ground floor to the Library and Tulmur Place. Ipswich Railway Station is also a short walk from the Ipswich Children’s Library.
When is the Ipswich Children’s Library open?
- Monday – Wednesday | 9am – 5pm
- Thursday 9am – 8pm
- Friday 9am – 5pm
- Saturday 9am – 2pm
- Sunday 9am – 2pm
Why you should definitely visit Ipswich Children’s Library
The Ipswich Children’s Library is a space made just for kids, and they know it! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a couple of hours quality time together. Adults will appreciate not feeling the pressure to quieten excited children as they explore their surroundings. If you’ve got multiple children, you will love that they can easily navigate the Library and find something selected specifically for their age group. The Ipswich Children’s Library allows a child’s imagination to run wild and it is an absolute joy to watch!
What else is there for kids to do in Ipswich?
We HIGHLY recommend a visit to the always fun Ipswich Art Gallery. Read our full review and find out what’s on at the Ipswich Art Gallery here. Another great way to make the most of your visit to Ipswich is with a trip to the Ipswich Nature Centre.
Whether you are into fast cars, vintage trains or jaw dropping aircraft aerobatics, Planes, Trains and Autos held annually in Ipswich has something for you!
Last but not least, check out the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich.
If you love books then you will also love the Lifeline Bookfest.
