State Library of Queensland

This 1790s beauty case belonged to a real Mary Bennett, just like the Pride and Prejudice character, and offers a glimpse into the beauty rituals of Austen’s world. With period dramas having a moment (Wuthering Heights, we see you 👀), now’s the perfect time to dive into the real objects behind the fiction. #PrideAndPrejudice #WutheringHeights #StateLibraryQLD

Ever seen a book co-created by a grub? 🐛 A weevil carved its path through a tree, then artists turned those traces into a book. ‘The grub in the wood of time’ is a stunning collaboration across species and material. A poem you can feel as much as read. Check it out this Poetry month online via our digital collection or in our artist book exhibition on Level 4. #JoanOfArchives #PoetryMonth #ArtistBooks

Join Kokoberrin artist and Indigenous Languages Creative Arts Resident Shaun Edwards for a special artist talk, exploring how the Kokoberrin language is being strengthened through contemporary creative practice. 4 June, 6 PM - 7:30 PM Free event, bookings required. For more information click on the link in our bio and then select 'What's On'. #StateLibraryQLD #IndigenousLanguages #CulturalPractice #ArtAndLanguage

Split Enz are set to perform in Brisbane for the first time in 20 years, so we thought we'd throw it back to some vintage concert photos from our collection. These images were snapped by Alan Grills in 1984 at the iconic Festival Hall, and by Paul O'Brien in 1979 at the University of Queensland. #johnoxleylibrary #SplitEnz #queensland #concerts #queenslandhistory

Come explore State Library of Queensland at our Under eights celebration day on Saturday 23 May, a free day of play for little learners to celebrate national Under Eights Week. Drop in for a full day of hands-on activities, performances and playful experiences. With art making, circus classes, storytelling, music workshops and quiet spaces to unwind, there’s something for every child to enjoy at their own pace. Learn more on our website. #UnderEightsWeek

Join us on Thu 21 May, 6:30pm for The Explainer Series: The World Cup. From the politics of who gets to host, to the way football brings people together (or drives them apart), we’ll explore what The World Cup tells us about the world and why we all get swept up in it. Hosted by superstar of Australia comedy Mel Buttle and leading expert in football's histories Dr Lee McGowan, this is your backstage pass to the global game. #TheExplainerSeries

Join us on 21 May for The Explainer Series: The World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth. It is a spectacle that unites billions of fans, fuels national pride and turns players into icons. But behind the goals and glory is a fascinating story about why this tournament matters so much. From the politics of who gets to host, to the way football brings people together (or drives them apart), we’ll explore what the World Cup tells us about the world and why we all get swept up in it. Hosted by comedian @melindabuttle with guest speaker Dr Lee McGowan this is your backstage pass to the global game. Secure your seats through the link in our bio.

Vale Uncle Herbert Wharton AM, a Kooma writer and storyteller whose work captured the voices, histories and lived experiences of inland Australia. Born in Cunnamulla and shaped by years as a stockman and drover, Herb came to writing later in life, sharing personal stories in works including 'Unbranded', 'Cattle Camp' and 'Where Ya’ Been Mate?'. His contributions to Australian literature were recognised with an Order of Australia and the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature. We honour Herb’s legacy and the stories he generously shared. Image attribution: 'Portrait of Uncle Herbert Wharton AM', 2001, Suzanna Clark, Gift of Presence exhibition images, State Library of Queensland

Check out these photographs of Lou Reed performing at Brisbane's Festival Hall in 1977. Captured by David Mayocchi, these images were recently donated to our collection. #johnoxleylibrary #queenslandhistory #loureed #festivalhallbrisbane #brisbane

Hard to believe, but it’s already been a month since The Corner opened in its dynamic new space at State Library and what an incredible month it’s been! With songs and stories every day, a dedicated art studio, giant building blocks, cosy nooks for books and imaginations and a garden courtyard to explore, The Corner is alive with activity and joy. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our amazing donors. You’ve helped us create a space where young minds can play, grow and thrive. Thank you for turning this vision into a reality and bringing such a joyous resource to Queensland. A special thank you to The Corner Campaign Advisory Committee of Courtney Talbot, Gina Fairfax AC, Dr Rhonda White AO and Susan Hocking for their outstanding leadership and generosity. Visit our website to learn how you can be part of The Corner's exciting next chapter. 📷 Children utilising the new art studio in The Corner, 2026, photo by Cinnamon Smith 📷 The Corner Campaign Advisory Committee pictured with State Librarian & CEO Vicki McDonald AM FALIA, 2026, photo by Leif Ekstrom 📷 Artwork on display in The Corner, 2026, photo by Leif Ekstrom

📱💡 📣 Queensland Small Business Month is underway — and there’s free digital skills support for regional small businesses available across Queensland! From AI, social media and marketing, to Canva, photography, and mentoring, these sessions are designed to help your business work smarter. 📍 Available across Queensland during May & June ✅ Free to attend ✅ Quick, practical, and easy to apply skills ✅ Online and in person events to suit busy business owners 👉 Read our blog to find out what’s on offer 🔗 👉 Find sessions near you via the Digital and You app 🔗 State Library’s Digital and You program is supported by the Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business. #QldSmallBusinessMonth #QSBM #DigitalAndYou #RegionalDigital #SmallBusinessQLD #DigitalSkills #FreeWorkshops @localgovqld

Skate culture is taking over The Edge at State Library of Queensland this June! Join us for our State of Sk8 program with a range of free and paid creative programming to drive into! 🛹😀 FREE - Join us for our State of Sk8 conversation with Dr Indigo Willing and guests on 27 June - Pop to the Digital Media lab for a skate meetup on 28 June - An exhibition of skate culture on The Edge Screens throughout June - Drop in to Open lab to work on collaborative making projects during June PAID (Take home creative outcomes!) - 101 – 3D Printing; mini skate decks on 24 June $30 - State of Sk8 sublimation merch making on 27 June $50 - Laser etched skateboards on 20 June $250 - Bespoke Architecture in Miniature: Skate Bowls series (3 Saturdays) $325 Check out all the details and grab your tickets now via the link in our bio! 🛹 First Image credits: We Skate Qld Indigo Willing by Peter Sondergaarde, all other images State Library of Queensland.