Libraries and I go way back. In primary school they were my introverted-self's safe haven at lunch…read moretime where I managed to immerse myself in the lives of The Baby Sitters Club and in year 7 proudly become a library monitor. #nerdalert. So it's no surprise as an adult they still play a part in my life. Thankfully, Brisbane City has a network of libraries that are often overlooked. The Mitchelton library is smaller than other inner-city libraries in the network and also has the addition of a cafe on the balcony run by local Valentina Cafe. It creates a welcoming environment to order a coffee and read the latest magazines or book you've checked out. That said, it's definitely a library that caters to families. I don't say this as a negative but just as a preface that if you're coming here to hunker down on some study, work or solitude this may not be the place for you. It's certainly not the kind of library where a stern looking librarian raises her finger to her lips to "Shhh!" you. In fact, on my visit, it seemed that giggles from kids running around, two gents having a lively debate about Indonesia on the balcony and general liveliness were encouraged in this suburban library. Still, with solid WiFi, coffee on-site and an array of reading material, it's still getting a thumbs up from me.

Relaxed little library with fantastic staff! Access to the internet, both with WiFi and desktop…read morecomputers, and aircon make it a great place to study as long as you don't need total silence. Only because it's a very family orientated place - but this does mean it's got a great relaxing atmosphere

I Got yelled for reading a scary book because since it was scary I was gasping out of fear and then…read moresome random person came up to me and said "Shut the fuck up" and I said "Why?" And the person said "Because you are being loud" I had enough and stormed out! Do not go here! The people are cockheads! The person also punched me But either way very good place! Best books in Queensland!

You can't beat the views at this massive architectural wonder on the north side of South Bank. No,…read moreyou can't check out books here, but this is the twenty-first century, and no one does that anyway. The library's intertwined levels boast exhibits on local history, ample study space and free wi-fi that hasn't given me trouble, and a variety of other useful services. It took a bit to figure out how to print and copy, but they have a screen with video instructions that walk you through it. A store and cafe are attached. On the lower level, a diverse set of charger cable hookups are provided, because that is what people use the library for these days. Auditoriums and a children's puppet theater attract visitors. The elevators, bathrooms, and water fountains all work and are reasonably clean. Art galleries, the science museum, buses, trains, and the attractions of South Bank are a walk away. It's public, so can the crowd get a tad sketchy? Sure. But this is Australia, where the person yelling at the vending machine will then apologize to you as you walk by. More likely, you'll see families for the events and yuppie student types studying away. The only thing I would really change are the hours. The sun comes up early here and most things in Brisbane open before 10 a.m.

While this isn't a huge library, it is a nice place to read and relax, away from the heat and busy…read moreroads outside the premises. The library boasts all the privileges that are part of the Brisbane City Council libraries, but only on a smaller scale. This place hasn't a huge selection of books but you can order anything on the B.C.C. library catalogue. There are a variety if literary genres but it's a sweeping overview. If looking for more specific research guides the University of Queensland's libraries are some of the best in the southern hemisphere. But Annerley Library is a nice place just to read and study if you have the books in hand. There are also a number of computer facilities available, including Wi-Fi. Parking is also easily found on the streets surrounding (with the exception of Ipswich Road). And the building itself is also gorgeous.

One of the most beautiful local libraries in Brisbane. There are a few hostels in the area so there…read moreis no shortage of youngsters hanging out on the front steps using wifi. It really is a very pretty building and it is not far from the centre of West End. If you are a tourist, it is a lovely spot to appreciate some of Brisbane's older architecture. With the typical West End local, you will be sure to find a much broader and interesting range of books just returned here.

I use the West End library quite frequently. Well, everyday actually, to some extent. I time my…read morecoffee breaks by the clock tower at the top of the Kurilpa building. Outside of that, I hire out 10 cds at a time, because I like their off beat collection, and I can. I use their photocopier and printer because I don't have one at home, and it's cheap to use. I research new obsessions there. They don't have a large collection of books by any means, but you'd be suprised by what you can find. When I decided earlier this summer to become a baker, I went straight to the library and found some very illuminating reading material on the subject of wheat. I also like visiting the library best when I don't have any idea of what I want to read next. Watch out for the grating noise of the check out machine. It can make ones hair stand on end if you're not in the best of moods. It's just a noise that completely destroys the idea of libraries being quiet, tranquil places. It can also be hard to find a place to curl up and read a book. The library is very small, and so I feel that it's best to leave the book worms to their browsing, and take your finds home with you.

This is a great community library that has a lot of events focussed for children and parents. They…read morehave regular weekly events including Children's storytime, Toddler time and Crafty Kids. The library also has a training area for adults, where they hold training sessions for Introduction to Computers, eBay: an introduction, Discover Email, Digital Photo Editing and more. There are a number of meeting rooms which can be booked out for any type of meeting. There is a weekly meet up for people who want to play Boardgames on Friday nights, called Critical Mass, and I've seen a number of knitting and crotchet clubs meet up there. These days libraries are more than just shelves of books. The Chermside library has about 20 or so computers that patrons can use at their leisure. The kid's section is really interactive, with a space theme and educational games to play. There are also two XBOX 360's available for anyone to play, as well as The Coffee Hub where you can sit back with a book or newspaper and have a coffee and cake.

Having had to move to Brisbane during those formative and…read morepainfully awkward teenage years, I remember too well how much of a refuge this place had been for me. Away from the oppressive 30+ degree summer days and the reluctance to stay at home. I came here to use the internet, hang out with my brother and to devour mostly everything on the shelves. What my brother loves most about this place is that he could rent out the xBox and play in the game centre for hours. (Which completely defeats the purpose of GOING to a library but whatevz.) Like Matilda I would rapturously borrow books (Always reaching the 25 limit) and spend many rainy afternoons perusing the stacks. The sense of community in this library is great, They regularly hold meetings for organisations as diverse as the camera club to programmes for parents and kids. Right next to the chermside pools and a hop skip and a jump from Westfield shoppingtown, Chermside library makes for a great place to visit.

The Albany Creek library features all of the classic attributes one would expect from a public…read morelibrary, novels, textbooks, children's picture books, CDs, reference books, free Internet, photocopying facilities etc, however following a face-lift in recent years this library really has an extra little spark. The children's corner is wonderful! A great kid friendly computer, toy library, big screen TV and comfy couches to relax in while the little tykes read their favourite story. You can find art for sale in the gallery, regular workshops and a counter for all of your local council enquiries. Right next door is a great little park that my kids love! Libraries are free - and I just love books, I especially love to spoil my children with books. I think that the age of technology is endangering our precious libraries and everyone should support these wonderful little establishments or we might just lose them.

If you've got Indooroopilly Library close to you, you're lucky! It's got a decent-sized collection…read moreand you'll be sure to find something in there that you want to read without having to order a title in. I also really like their range of magazines and DVDs and find it a nice place to hang out, especially if tired from shopping in the lower levels of the centre. There's also a decent number of computers available for internet use, as well as printing facilities. This is a very handy resource in a great location.

This was the library of my childhood, and it's big enough to keep any child busy…read more The collection is pretty good, and as it's a major library you won't have to order too much stuff in as most of what you'd want is on the shelves. It's also handily located in Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, which meant I had a great time whiling away the hours reading my favourite books while my mum did the shopping.

Small but good local library if you're looking for somewhere less busy and quiet to study…read more Ample off-street parking and situated close to public transport. Caters for a various genres of books especially children's books. ***Please note*** This library is only open on a part-time basis so refer to photos or council website for operating hours before visiting to avoid disappointment.