Life is never boring when you’ve got a library card. With pages and pages of imaginative new worlds to explore, new toys to borrow, activities and entertainment for kids of all ages, there is so much to discover at your local library. It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours!
There’s more than just books
Of course, there are lots of books. The great thing about the libraries’ children’s areas is that the picture books are at child-height, so small children can work through their selections and choose titles that visually appeal to them. But that’s not all that happens in the children’s area.
Many of the local Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, and Moreton regional libraries have interactive play spaces, Lego building areas, and fun after-school and school holiday activities just waiting to be taken advantage of. All you need to do to be involved is to get there!
First 5 Forever at your local library
90% of a child’s brain development happens in the first 5 years, so the Queensland Government and State Library of Queensland introduced the First 5 Forever program. Local libraries host regular Rhyme Time, Baby Play, and Play Times sessions for babies and children up to five-years-old. These sociable sessions are FREE!
Toy library
Most of us are feeling the financial pinch at the moment. If you find yourself plotting a route around the shopping centre to circumnavigate all the toy sections – much to the alarm of your child – plot a course for your local library instead.
As well as lending books, some of our regional libraries have a huge range of toys and games available on free loan, too. We all know how quickly children can become bored of their toys and games, and a toy library allows you to have the latest on a never-ending free rotation!
Not all council libraries have a toy library, but there are other toy library organisations that you can subscribe to. Even paying a small monthly fee can save you heaps on the toys you don’t have to buy, and there’ll be less toy clutter in your home too.
Your local library hosts special events
Your local library is a hive of noisy and FREE activity. Children are invited to join in movie nights, STEAM activities, craft sessions, Lego challenges, Dungeons & Dragons, themed fun (like Frozen and Star Wars events), yoga, guest entertainers, robotics and coding, console game challenges… it’s amazing just how much is on offer!
Finding your library
There are big libraries, small libraries, and mobile libraries, and all offer something a little different. You don’t need to be a library member to visit, but all libraries are free to join. Your library membership is not restricted to your nearest library either. With a library membership card you can borrow from ALL the libraries in your local council area.
State Library of Queensland
Even if you’re not a State Library of Queensland member, the library is always worth a visit. The State Library spreads over many floors, but if you are visiting with kids we recommend you head straight for The Corner. The Corner is a creative learning and play space especially for children under 8.
We particularly recommend that you visit their current display. The Great & Grand Rumpus is a sculptural, digital, and immersive installation, born of the imaginations of local children around Brisbane. There is a huge dragon and a one-eyed robot taller than the buildings and many more wondrous creations, but they are only there until July 10, 2022.
Brisbane City Libraries
There are 33 libraries in the Brisbane City Council region, and with your Brisbane City Council library membership you can visit them all. We love the Secret Garden theme of the Garden City Library children’s area.
Ipswich City Libraries
Ipswich City Council has recently opened a dedicated public children’s library – the only one in Australia! There are cosy reading nooks to tuck into, interactive big-screen digital activities, a parents room, and kids can feed the two life-sized dinosaurs suspended from the ceiling through swirling vacuum tubes. The Children’s Library is one of seven Ipswich City Council libraries you can visit, and we loved it so much we made a video review. See it here:
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ipswich-childrens-library
Redland City Libraries
Redland City Council has eight libraries: 3 on the mainland, 4 on the islands, and one mobile library. Your family can make a wonderful day out with a trip on the ferry to visit Russell Island Library – especially in winter when you might spot a migrating whale along the way!
Logan City Libraries
Logan City Council has nine libraries, from tiny little village libraries to the big one at Logan Central. Our favourite has to be Marsden Library. Marsden Library’s children’s area has been developed into a state-of-the-art ‘Sensory Space‘. This space stimulates and inspires children to explore and learn using their senses, and has gentle interactive light displays and a sensory bubble tube.
Moreton Regional Libraries
In the Moreton Regional Council area you can visit nine libraries, and the great thing about Moreton Regional Council Libraries is that they ALL have toy libraries!
How to join your local library
Here’s the secret – your local library wants you to join, so they have made it easy. You can apply online on your local council’s website (we’ve linked them above!), or in person at the library service counter. All you will need is proof of ID that shows your address.
If your child is a voracious reader, they can have their very own library card. Each library card allows you to borrow up to 20 books, magazines, and DVDs, and toys where available. To find out more about Brisbane’s regional libraries, click here:
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/brisbane/local-libraries
This article was featured in Issue 52 of our printed magazine, June/July 2022.
