Who goes to libraries anymore?…read more When I was much younger, I probably used to go to the Ashgrove Library at least once a week, more likely two or three times. These days, the only library I seem to go to is the one at UQ, and that's not exactly for enjoyable reading. Anyway, the other day, I was about to buy $300 worth of books, and then I realised that at least $100 of those books were books that I didn't know if I wanted, but I was going to buy them anyway and see what they were like. WHAT IS THIS INSANITY. I quickly hopped onto the elibcat (online library catalogue) and found that the Council library actually had three of the books I wanted. I put a hold on them and quickly took them out of my cart (OK, I still bought the other $200 worth of books...) Sometimes public libraries can be frustrating: if it's a popular book, you might put a hold on it and not get it for a couple of months, or it might only be at Mt Gravatt but oh wait the copy has been borrowed out. But I am a BIG believer in "try before you buy", and when it comes to the ridiculous amount of money I spend on books and music (I'm sure I'm not alone!) having the option of actually looking at the book before you buy it is a great service. If they don't have a book, you can also request it (and, if it's under two years old, they'll usually get it in). They also have quite a large collection of audiobooks, either as CDs or available online (but ask a librarian how to use the system because I have no idea). As, even though it's a library, there's also a huge number of DVDs and CDs available: mostly the CDs are pop things, but they also do have some interesting items (the Eurovision 2005 compilation; some JJJ collections; and some smaller artists). Again, if there's something you want, I think saying "local artist" and "community support" will probably get them to get in any CD you want. The DVDs are mainly BBC and ABC things, but they also have some other TV series, and hey BBC and ABC make awesome stuff! Again, the more recent something is, the longer you'll probably have to wait to get it, but it saves paying the money at the video store (or buying it). Anyway, that's about libraries in general. The reason I like Ashgrove library is because it's small, but you can request any book you want from the rest of the library, so you don't have to trudge out to Logan library for the book you want, and it's in the middle of a lovely park. There's a lot of parking around the whole block, but I'd probably avoid it between 2:30 and 3:30, cause Mount St Michael's school is right across the road, so there's often a sudden flood of cars around that time. There's also been a huge renovation at Ashgrove Library in the last few years, so there's now conference rooms out the back, a cushioned sitting area, and a few more computers (which you can either use to look through the catalogue, or rent to use the whole internet if your internet isn't working). Most importantly, joining the library costs next to nothing (if not nothing), and it's a great service, so seriously, join up, because there will come a time when you'll need it.

This is quite a surprising little public library. It's tucked away in a residential street in a…read morecute little park, but what surprised me was the focus of the collection. This seems to have a bit of a sci fi / fantasy focus and all the major authors are well represented here. I even discovered a few new ones. Make sure you google ahead for the titles in the series you start as it's very frustrating to realise that book 4 is in another library and you need to wait a week for it to be delivered.

This library is modestly sized, but I enjoyed it all the same. It is thoughtfully set out so a…read moresurprising number of books are available here. The children's section is particularly impressive, offering not only books but a section full of colourful, tiny furniture placed there so kids can get engrossed in their books while parents browse in peace. They also put together a range of school holiday activities. The library was internally attached to a coffee shop located on the outside of the building. Here they have some grownup sized furniture to take it easy on, as you enjoy your beverage and your book. One thing I found particularly handy was a shelf of leaflets featuring advice on which authors to try depending on what genres or other writers you like. Each bright orange flyer had a statement such as 'if you enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien, try so and so'. I think this is a great tool as I always have a bit of an emotional struggle after completing one book, especially if I've really enjoyed it. It can be quite difficult to find something that really captures my attention again, so I owe one to the great leaflet creator.

I would give The Corner 10 stars if I could, and I don't even have kids. Let me tell you, as soon…read moreas I do and they're old enough to enjoy it I'll be heading to The Corner. Open from 10 am - 3 pm this is a library / play / education wonderland for children 8 and under and parents. The programs they do here are visionary and so much cooler than anything I got to do when I was a kid (although I must admit my time with correspondence preschool was pretty rocking). As an example they recently had an urban garden project where they built a garden plot in a corner of the SLQ pathway that showed kids (and adults) what you can do with urban gardening and how to cook with the food. At the end of the project all of the plants and infrastructure was donated to local schools so it could be re used. How cool is that? They also have great work shops and school holiday programs and an awesome changing rota of exhibitions, all carefully curated to world best practice principles to ensure kids are stimulated, engaged and learning even when they don't realise it. Pop in and see what's going on at the moment. You'll need a child to take full advantage of it, but surely even if you're not a parent you have a niece or a nephew lying around waiting to be entertained?

It's no wonder this place is always brimming with children. The Corner has been developed by State…read moreLibrary of Queensland as a place for children to play, learn and be creative. They have a changing programme; At the moment it's Kitchen Table - an exploration behind pantry doors and dancing on a dinner plate. I marvel at the ingenious ways the Corner keeps the kids entertained. For instance, they've set up a large nest in the middle of the playroom with zipped up white pillow cases which I suppose are like eggs. My nephew promptly unzipped his 'egg' and a duck and a caterpillar fell out. His eyes opened wide with pleasure, he gave them the cuddle of ownership and asked me sweetly if he could take them home please. Oh how he knows all the tricks to melting his Aunt's heart and make her contemplate theft of public property. I also took my nephew here once during a 'Food Play' theme. A designer with a sense of humour had set up a plastic play structure in the window bay. It turned out to be a stove, oven and kitchen pantry. From the outside, it looked like the children were happily playing inside an oven. This summer, the Corner has set up outdoor craft activities as part of the State Library's illustration exhibition. Kids could pull up a cushion and learn to make an alien out of plastic cups, egg shell cartons and pipe cleaners. It's great fun - though younger children below five will need parents to help out as it requires fine motor control. There's always something going on at the Corner so be sure to check it out these holidays.

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.

I've been accused of being a nerd for as long as I can remember, and I've always denied the charge…read more Waxing lyrical about my local Brisbane City Council library is not going to help my case I know, but my local library has provided me with so many hours of entertainment that it would be wrong not to laud its merits. The library has a terrible reputation that it's a place of silent contemplation. Being quiet is associated with study and from that, people deduce it's not a place to go to have fun or be social. This is wrong! I don't know any place where you have to be quieter than the movies but everyone expects the cinema to be lots of fun. Sure, there are silent reading areas within the library but there are group areas as well. It even has an X-box set up in the young adults' area with a huge range of games and controllers for group play. The work/reading area is ideally situated being far enough from the group activities as to not be distracting. This is a perfect arrangement for people like me who usually work from home but like to seek refuge from the summer heat by working in the library. There are plenty of individual tables to set up my laptop and utilize their fast, free wifi. After a morning's work I can duck into Garden City to grab a coffee and a cheap lunch at the food court. The library also hosts regular events for a range of users such as book clubs, training sessions and author talks which you can find out about through the Brisbane City Council website. The December events are: Story time for children (English and Mandarin for older children) Computer literacy classes Babies, books and rhymes (for mums and toddlers) The details can be found here: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/Whats-on/library-events/index.htm So instead of seeking refuge from the summer heat at the beach, community pool or cinema, give the Garden City library a go.

Brisbane Square Library is one of the most impressive libraries I've had the pleasure to visit. A…read morewonderful selection of modern books and good lighting make it a regular stop. It's a popular stop for students studying, for good reason. It can be challenging to find seating from mid morning to mid afternoon, worth it if you can find it.

The Brisbane Square Library is not far from its prettier cousin, the State Library across the…read moreriver. Nonetheless, it has its own virtues. Ample meeting rooms are available for reservations, and people use them. This one actually has old-fashioned stuff you can check out. And it's got a great row of seats with power outlets that look out over the river. English conversation groups, cooking classes, and live music have been among the events during my time spent there. Their hours are even a bit weaker than the State Library's (which aren't amazing to begin with). I've had slightly less luck with the wi-fi, the bathrooms are less ample and clean, and in general it's just a notch down from the gold standard. But it's still pretty nice.

This library run circles around the Garden City BCC Library. For starters, it's a standalone…read morebuilding located on Seville Road so you can actually get some quiet time in here. It may not have as many physical books on the shelf as the Garden city library but I always make a habit of signing up to the library website and ordering the books to my library of choice anyway. Also, this is a great library for kids because there's a small park connected to it with basic climbing and swing equipment. For aspiring writers, the Writers of Seville Writer's Group meet here once a month every 1st and 2nd Saturday. It's free to attend but contact the library hpk@brisbane.qld.gov.au for more information. Last year they self published their anthology and the Holland park library even stocked it on their shelf. How cool and supportive is that?

Since the upgrade this is probably the best community facility in Brisbane…read more Staff are always happy to help and show you around. Love it

Omigoshness. I look at Kidspace and think about my childhood spent roller skating across the living…read moreroom in a cramped apartment in Hong Kong and want to cry. We are so lucky in Australia to have so much space to spend on our children. When it comes to parklands, I'm pretty grateful for all the public parks across Brisbane but Kidspace in Chermside really stand out. It's been designed for all ages. There are picnic tables with BBQs and easy access toilets (including disabled facilities). For the older kids there are wide paths for riding, scootering, skating and a half sized tennis court as well. The play area is shaded and there's a great fort suitable for babies, toddlers and younger kids. Southsiders take note: This family friendly park is worth the drive.

The 7th Brigade Park is huge, apparently one of the biggest parks in Brisbane. It runs from Newman…read moreRoad in Geebung, all the way through to Murphy Road and Chermside Shopping Centre. I have only just recently discovered this park is all connected and now I've started walking through the park to the Chermside Library or Shopping Centre. There are two playgrounds or play areas, separated by large sports fields, trees and bicycle and walk paths. At the Newman Road end of the park, there is a playground and exercise equipment, as well as BBQ areas, shelters and lots of space for large groups. There are toilets down this end too. Towards Chermside Shopping Centre, along Murphy Road, there's a huge play area called Kidspace. Kidspace covers an area approximately the size of 5 homes and includes a large undercover play area, electric BBQ's, toilets, shelters, bench tables and seating. There's also a basketball ring and half court and a tennis court with a rebound wall. There is parking at both ends, and the gates to these parking lots are open from 6am to 9pm. A network of shared bicycle/walk paths run throughout the park, and there are exercise stations along the pathway - hurdles, chin ups and sit ups to name a few. 7th Brigade Park is also dog friendly. Dogs are allowed throughout the park and there are a couple of specific off-leash areas for dogs.