As far as public libraries go, Toowong is alright…read more Smaller than most other libraries in the area (Indooroopilly being two suburbs over and a fair bit larger), Toowong library is still a great place to go if you need some quiet time, or would like to use the free Internet (but get in early, you may have to reserve a spot). You need to be a member of the Brisbane city council library though, but the staff are more than willing to help and it only takes two forms of ID and about ten minutes. As far as book selection is concerned.....well, it's concerning. While the popular bestsellers are available, you may want to check ahead (on line) if the book you're looking for is available at this branch. If not, the staff can always order it in for you from another branch but this can take up to a week of waiting. The library does stock up to date magazines and some pretty good comics and DVDs though, so no complaints. May be worth a trek to the City or South bank libraries if you want more choice though. But to escape the summer heat and to kick back with a free magazine, it's not too bad. The couches are comfortable enough, and the air conditioning works.

This is one of those public libraries where it pays to book ahead. What I mean by this is the book…read moreselection is tres limited, however you can go onto the library website and order any book in the collection in. It'll take a bit of time, but it's worth it - and let's face it, you're not paying for it so don't get huffy! Otherwise it's not a bad place to study if you need quiet, airconditioned spaces well away from the temptations of your lounge room.

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.

Love my library and think we should all love them more!…read more The range of books on offer is outstanding and having a linked collection accross the city of Brisbane means you would be hard pressed to not find the book you were looking for. As part of the City of Brisbane you get free wifi, access to the internet, plenty of classes and in particular kids sessions included in your membership at no extra charge. Borrowing books is now so much easier too. You can self check out and have access to your account online to see when items are due back. Plus you can renew books online from home without needing to go back to the library. Just be aware charges apply if you miss the return dates and they can all add up. The good news though is that you get a little reminder email about 5 days before your books are due back to help prevent this happening.

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.

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.

Small but surprisingly useful. It's particularly useful if I need to print something in a pinch! If…read morethere's a book you want from a bigger library, just get them to order it in for you.

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.

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.