State Library of Queensland — Attraction in Brisbane City

Doing research through old newspapers is impossible at this place now. I don't much care for the new machines, even worse, the ridiculous setup in the middle of the room they now have. There are people constantly going back and forward behind you, and the staff are tied up almost continuously, having to answer every question posed by any of the multitude of people passing by or through - which is everyone that comes on to that level.

The machines are crammed together so there is little room to spread out and as a result, the tables are bumped by people all day, wrecking the scans. But worst of all, is the ridiculous new software installed for use in scanning - it is completely unusable and in no way fit for the purpose. With the old software, you could scan, tag and name inside 30 seconds, but now, you're looking at 2-3 minutes; and if you think that isn't a lot, then consider that in a decent session I would normally make 100+ scans - that is roughly 200-250 minutes (4 hours!) wasted. It is unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming and in no way at all does it improve the experience. It just drags it out pointlessly. Research is tedious enough without this garbage.

I've spent hundreds of hours here over the years doing research, but no longer. I don't know which genius came up with this ridiculous setup and moved it from the cosy little corner that it used to be in, but it has made research near impossible. Anything more than a few pages, then forget about it. This library belongs to the taxpayer and I expect better than this - much better. This is...

I'm kicking myself for not coming here months ago. This library is such an amazing hangout!! Especially if you're the kind who enjoy being surround by books!! jumps around excitedly Located in southbank. And just walking distance from the southbank train station. Or if you're in Brisbane CBD looking for a a place to visit. Or... Some respite from the summer heat, walk across the river to the library! Spanning 4 floors. With wide open spaces. You'll have plenty of room to find your space. Be it in the enclosed air conditioned area or little nooks with power sockets and drum rolls... FREE UNLIMITED WIFI ACCESS!!

If you're here to study and do some serious reading, don't bother with the ground floor. Grab your gear and head to the 2nd and 3rd floors of the complex. Trust me. The ground floor is a public lounge. And you'll see people sleeping everywhere. No kidding. Blankets ready and their bags as pillows. Backpackers? Not too sure.

Want something more personal? Head up to the 4th floor and you'll find small little rooms with small tables and power sockets. It's very airy there and you will find it comfortable. Refer to one of my pics posted with the red wall.

There's a cafe here with a book shop on the ground floor. I must tell you, this is a library. So do not expect exceptional quality food. I had the pesto salad and lasagna. Terrible. Coffee isn't too bad.

If you haven't visited the state library. It's...

Nice location and facilities. The public access Mac Lab, for anybody with skill and reason to be utilizing the software available, is worth posting a review to mention. The courses available, ranging in levels, make all the software, and recording studio facilities, very accessible. Plus the coffees cost less than anywhere else nearby. It is a chill hangout space for groups to meet, with small curtained meeting spaces overlooking Brisbane river, that can be booked, and your laptop can be plugged into a projected screen. As well as a recording studio, (with minimal basic equipment available), there is an auditorium for hire. The staff are friendly, and the general vibe is one of open creativity. It is always quite enough to get stuck into whatever task you have at hand. I don't drive a car so the parking issue doesn't bother me, and public transport is super close, from all regions of Brisbane. The difference between four stars and the five stars I am giving this place, is the views out over the river, and of parkland beside the river, from floor to ceiling windows in the MacLab. Very conducive to concentrating on complicated video...