State Library of Queensland

09/09/2026

Think you might have a Queensland story to tell? We want to hear from you.

Bring your research project to life with a fellowship, a shared workplace, access to our collections and specialist library staff support. You don’t need to be an academic or professional researcher to apply – just bring your great idea and a desire to explore our collections.

For more information visit https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/state-library-fellowships-and-medals

09/09/2026

👀Missed our Heritage talk celebrating 150 years of the Ekka? Watch the recording and explore the rich history of Queensland's iconic Show:

Our second Heritage Talk of the year celebrated 150 years of the Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka, a much-loved Queensland tradition since 1876. What began as an agricultural exhibition has grown into a major annual event, bringing together regional and urban communities and reflecting the changing li...

08/09/2026

In 1984, more than 300 glass plate negatives dating from the early 1870s were discovered among the contents of the recently closed Haig Brothers photographic studio in Warwick. The negatives captured the work of travelling photographer William Boag, who journeyed throughout South East Queensland with a horse-drawn darkroom, offering his services in communities including Brisbane, Cleveland, Ormiston, Logan, Beenleigh, Yatala, Pimpama and Stanthorpe.

These remarkably clear and detailed images provide a rare glimpse into everyday life in Queensland during the 1870s. Tragically, Boag died in Clermont in 1879 at just 40 years of age. It is believed the glass plate negatives were sold by Boag when he left Warwick, possibly to John Haig (founder of the Haig photographic dynasty), which may explain how they remained preserved for more than a century.

A few months after their discovery, the negatives were generously donated to State Library of Queensland. Recently digitised, the collection can now be explored through the Library's One Search catalogue. Take a journey back to 1870s Queensland and discover Boag's extraordinary body of work, a photographic legacy that was fortunate to survive.

Please note: This collection contains images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australian South Sea Islanders.

View collection: https://qld.pulse.ly/fopfxfl8ts

05/09/2026

Brisbane Portrait Prize 2026 finalists announcement 📣

See the 49 finalists from the main competition and 14 talented Next Gen finalists displayed in slq Gallery from 19 September to 8 November.

The finalists exhibition offers a glimpse into the identities, experiences and relationships that shape our city. Behind every portrait is an act of looking closely and the deeply human experience of seeing and being seen.

🟠 Finalist Gallery: https://brisbaneportraitprize.pulse.ly/vudca7ylq1
🟠 Next Gen Gallery: https://brisbaneportraitprize.pulse.ly/bpeuf490h1

04/09/2026

Brisbane businessman Thomas Charles Beirne and Archbishop James Duhig were close friends and confidants for five decades, but did the two men fall out over Duhig's greatest folly? Read more in Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Research Fellow Robert Allen's latest blog: https://qld.pulse.ly/dn6dizouce

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship is generously supported by the John Allpass Charitable Foundation.

📸: Left - Archbishop James Duhig, 1944. Negative number: 106445. Right - Thomas Charles Beirne, Date unknown. Negative number: 93804

02/09/2026

‘What I really love about this collection is the story: the idea of door-to-door hawkers in a pink Cadillac, peddling photos on the street, accidentally creating the largest, most beautiful body of work documenting the history of Queensland’s suburban architecture.’

Queensland artist Phoebe Paradise turned to State Library’s Corley Explorer while gathering inspiration for the biggest project of her career: an animation of her childhood home, beamed onto the iconic Sydney Opera House sails.

🔗 Read more: https://qld.pulse.ly/nzs0bj2yje

01/09/2026

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day, a time to recognise the importance of First Nations languages and the work of The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). This year’s theme, Country Is Our Teacher, celebrates the many ways children, families and communities can connect with and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages and cultures. The theme will come to life this morning at 10:30am via a free livestream from the Sydney Opera House.

Join ILF ambassadors and remote Community authors for an hour of storytelling and learning, including the launch of 'My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country', created by Community authors from Warakurna, Western Australia. Find out more and join in the free live stream here: https://sydneyoperahouse.pulse.ly/gphzwowefk

If you’re looking for more opportunities to listen and learn, our Night by the Fire with Jo-Anne Driessens event is coming up on 17 September. Presented alongside our 'Through Mununjali Eyes' exhibition, this evening invites you to gather around the campfire and hear Wayne Coolwell's friend and colleague share memories of the celebrated Mununjali photojournalist. Learn more here: https://qld.pulse.ly/ft2kedhgbk

01/09/2026

As spring wedding season begins, we're taking a trip back to 1975. These beautiful images, captured by professional Brisbane photographer Ian Poole at an unknown location, showcase bridal gowns from Dundee Bridal Fashion of Stones Corner. Do you recognise the grand house and gardens where this Brisbane fashion shoot was staged? We'd love to hear your theories.

31/08/2026

Spring has sprung, so let your curiosity bloom and unearth stories at State Library that celebrate creativity, passion and local courage. 🌷🌱

Explore the new season of opportunities that inspire you to see things from a different perspective. Get hands-on with workshops, exhibitions, and talks that spark wonder and create excitement in your every day.

Discover the full program at the link in bio.

28/08/2026

Get hands-on and embrace the DIY counterculture roots of zine-making with us this September ✂️📖

Our 101 Zines workshops are led by local creatives and help you to kick off your zine making journey. In the session you will experiment with creative methods of folding, cutting, collaging, and gluing to create your own mini publication to take home.

👉 Book now: https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/zines-101