Ipswich Children’s Library Archives

The Ipswich Children’s Library has been recognised for innovation for a second time at the recent Local Government Managers Australia Awards for Excellence in Queensland.

Celebrating the outstanding work of local governments in the region, the LGMA Awards for Excellence, now in its 12th year, was presented at the end of May 2022 after pausing for a year due to the pandemic.

“We are thrilled that the team’s innovation with Australia’s only dedicated stand-alone children’s library has been recognised and is a great realisation of council’s vision to deliver innovative services to the community,” said Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner of the recognition.

Photo Credit: Ipswich Libraries/Facebook

Mr Fechner also said that the real winners are the residents of Ipswich, who will benefit from the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct, where the library stands in its purpose-designed space.

“In 2021 Ipswich Libraries also went on to win the next level – the LG Professionals Australia National Award for Innovative Management Initiative,” Mr Fechner added.

“We support the talented team at Ipswich Libraries as they again compete on the national stage and know that they already bring pride to our wonderful city.”

Aside from Ipswich Children’s Library, also recognized for excellence were:

AWARD	COUNCIL	PROJECT
Workplace Wellbeing	Sunshine Coast Council	Zero Lost Time Injuries in Civil Construction
Community Shaping	Western Downs Regional Council	Wandoan Soldier Settler Scheme
Sustainability	City of Logan	Net Zero and Next Gen Climate Resilient Council
Collaboration	Balonne Shire Council	The Hub
Teamwork	Redland City Council	Light Touch Service Reviews
Doing More with Less	Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council	AI Material Recovery Facility
Above and Beyond	City of Logan	Sebastien Martin

The Ipswich community is bursting with pride as the first standalone children’s library in the country has opened at the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct.

As a special space dedicated for children between the ages of zero to 12 years old, the Ipswich Children’s Library has been designed to allow engagement, interactivity and learning as the kids play and explore.

“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,” Mayor Teresa Harding said, adding that they have incorporated digital technologies for many of the children’s library features.

“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,” the mayor said.

“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.”

Of course, the library has thousands of books, magazines and digital resources specifically catered for young readers. There are also two life-sized dinosaurs inside the building.

With heaps of kids-focused programs and events, the children will enjoy their every visit to this special place. The Ipswich Children’s Library is on the ground floor of the Nicholas Street council administration. It was officially opened to the public on 28 June 2021.

Visit the official site for the opening hours and the safety protocols observed at the library.

Tag: Ipswich Children’s Library

Ipswich Children’s Library Recognised for Excellence in Innovation at LGMA Awards

First Dedicated Children’s Library in Australia Opens in Ipswich