Ipswich opens Australia’s first dedicated public children’s library
28 June 2021
Wear your best wolf suit, sail through days and weeks, right into the opening of the first stand-alone library in Australia dedicated to wild things aged up to 12 (and still be home in time for tea).
Ipswich City Council has officially opened the country’s first dedicated children’s library, located on the ground floor of the new administration building, in the heart of the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the purpose-built facility was about providing learning opportunities fit for the digital age and offered a library experience unlike any other in the country.
“The Ipswich Children’s Library is the latest in library thinking and design, with a focus on interactivity and engagement while young people learn, explore, and play” Mayor Harding said.
“This is not like the libraries of yesteryear, the focus is very much on interactivity and engaging our young people as they learn, explore and play.
“Specially designed for children from birth through to age 12, the library holds more than 35,000 items, innovative technology and digital experiences, with two life-sized dinosaurs calling the library home.
“Young explorers will be able to feed the resident Plesiosaurs through a pneumatic pipe interactive experience and watch the ‘food’ they give zip around the pipes.
“Augmented reality will bring hand drawings to life, allowing children to colour in a fish or prehistoric creature, scan it, and watch it appear and move on an ocean backdrop.
“There is also a Magic Mirror that children can stand in front of to watch butterflies swarm around them, and even land on them if they stand still enough.
“For children in the early learning years, there is a specially designed multi-touch interactive table with various games and experiences.
“All of this complements a wide collection of books, magazines, DVDs and digital resources that has been carefully curated just for kids.
“I’m excited to welcome the city’s youngest readers into their new space and look forward to hearing their stories of wonder and delight.”
The Ipswich Children’s Library is on the ground floor of the new 1 Nicholas Street council administration building.
Page-turning children’s library facts
- More than 35,000 library collection items just for kids
- Two life-sized dinosaurs suspended from the ceiling
- Unique, multi-reality interactive experiences
- Heaps of kids-focused programs and events
- Hands-on tech adventures specially designed for children