Published Friday, 16 November, 2007 at 10:04 AM

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
New State Library Building Celebrates a Successful First Year
Premier Anna Bligh has congratulated the State Library of Queensland on an exceptional first year in its new building, announcing a special Open Day party on Sunday 25 November.
Ms Bligh said the State Library’s first birthday in its new building was a day to celebrate.
“The State Library has attracted more than one million visitors since re-opening its doors in November last year,” Ms Bligh said.
“The redevelopment has opened up the entire Cultural Centre to a larger and more diverse audience. This huge growth in visitor numbers demonstrates that our $291 million investment to redevelop the Cultural Centre has paid off.
“All of Australia is looking to Queensland and the State Library as leaders after the building was recently awarded the title of ‘Australia’s Best Public Building 2007’ by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
“The Cultural Centre now ranks among the nation’s most exciting arts and cultural precincts and is the centrepiece of the state’s booming creative sector,” said the Premier.
State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters said the Open Day was a chance for the public to enjoy free games, music and tour behind-the-scenes of Queensland’s premier library for a personal introduction to the collections
“The success of the new State Library building has exceeded all expectations,” said Ms Giles-Peters. “In the past year we have answered more than 50,000 reference enquiries, hosted national exhibitions, developed a dynamic public program of talks, forums and children’s activities and continued to extend our collections.
“The Open Day is a chance to show Queenslanders just how special the State Library is, and to thank everyone for making it such a remarkable year.”
The Open Day will feature performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, as well as storytelling and traditional face painting; Celebrations, a photographic series capturing life’s special moments; a screening of Goodbye Mr Chips and a sausage sizzle.
An extensive program of children and young people’s activities includes The Great Tear Repair, where participants learn how to mend their own artwork, a Super Sleuth challenge for budding detectives and a chance for chess masters to face the Black Knight. For full details, pick up a copy of the Open Day program or visit www.slq.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Education Minister’s Office 3237 1000
Ms Bligh said the State Library’s first birthday in its new building was a day to celebrate.
“The State Library has attracted more than one million visitors since re-opening its doors in November last year,” Ms Bligh said.
“The redevelopment has opened up the entire Cultural Centre to a larger and more diverse audience. This huge growth in visitor numbers demonstrates that our $291 million investment to redevelop the Cultural Centre has paid off.
“All of Australia is looking to Queensland and the State Library as leaders after the building was recently awarded the title of ‘Australia’s Best Public Building 2007’ by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
“The Cultural Centre now ranks among the nation’s most exciting arts and cultural precincts and is the centrepiece of the state’s booming creative sector,” said the Premier.
State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters said the Open Day was a chance for the public to enjoy free games, music and tour behind-the-scenes of Queensland’s premier library for a personal introduction to the collections
“The success of the new State Library building has exceeded all expectations,” said Ms Giles-Peters. “In the past year we have answered more than 50,000 reference enquiries, hosted national exhibitions, developed a dynamic public program of talks, forums and children’s activities and continued to extend our collections.
“The Open Day is a chance to show Queenslanders just how special the State Library is, and to thank everyone for making it such a remarkable year.”
The Open Day will feature performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, as well as storytelling and traditional face painting; Celebrations, a photographic series capturing life’s special moments; a screening of Goodbye Mr Chips and a sausage sizzle.
An extensive program of children and young people’s activities includes The Great Tear Repair, where participants learn how to mend their own artwork, a Super Sleuth challenge for budding detectives and a chance for chess masters to face the Black Knight. For full details, pick up a copy of the Open Day program or visit www.slq.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Education Minister’s Office 3237 1000