Toowong Library is among several Brisbane libraries affected by the recent major library restructure, which includes reductions to key community programs as part of broader budget adjustments.
BCC’s library services are undergoing a significant restructure, raising concerns among staff and the community. A recent survey by The Services Union revealed that half of Brisbane’s librarians are considering quitting, citing low morale, heavier workloads, and a lack of consultation in the restructuring process.
BCC has denied claims that $17 million has been cut from library funding, stating that the budget remains intact while adjustments are being made to maintain financial stability. Local official Fiona Cunningham said the BCC is committed to balancing the delivery of essential services with responsible spending.
Program and Staff Reductions at Toowong Library
As part of the changes, Toowong Library has reduced its Toddler Time sessions from two per week to one. Other Brisbane libraries have also seen cuts to programs, including First 5 Forever, a state-funded early childhood literacy initiative, which has seen a 25% reduction in weekly sessions citywide.
While funding from the State for First 5 Forever has remained unchanged since 2019, BCC has faced increasing operational costs. As a result, they scaled back some sessions, despite continued high demand in certain locations, including Indooroopilly, where parents reported overcrowding in past sessions.
Library Staff Push Back Against Changes
Library staff have voiced strong opposition to the restructure, with some participating in industrial action to push for improved working conditions. According to The Services Union, a recent survey of library staff found:
97% of workers felt the restructure was poorly planned.
82% believed the changes negatively impacted their mental health.
Over 50% were considering resigning due to increased stress.
Union leaders criticised the restructure, arguing that it has exacerbated workload pressures, physical strain, and workplace aggression from customers while prioritising cost-cutting over community needs.
Parents and community members have expressed frustration over the program reductions, arguing that libraries provide more than just book lending—they serve as vital community hubs offering educational resources, digital services, and early learning programs.
BCC has defended its position, stating that the changes are necessary to maintain financial sustainability. The BCC has promised to monitor attendance levels and adjust schedules where needed, but some fear library services will be deprioritised as part of broader council budget constraints.
With these changes rolling out in the coming weeks, residents in Toowong and across Brisbane will have to wait and see how their local library services will be affected. While BCC has assured that services will continue, fewer sessions, reduced staff, and growing discontent from workers and the community indicate ongoing challenges for Brisbane’s public libraries.
Keeping Toowong kids busy for the winter school holidays is made easy as the BCC organised a number of activities at the Toowong Library and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Check out the list below to see child-friendly activities for your kids to enjoy.
Smart Phone Eco Photography
Saturday, 30 June 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere
An activity ideal for aspiring photographers aged 10 to 17 years, the Smart Phone Eco Photography lets you see nature through a different lens.
Bookings required for this free activity. Visit Bazil Grumble to learn more about the session and reserve your place.
Participants are asked to meet outside the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha planetarium and don’t forget to bring a hat, some sunscreen, a water bottle, and your smartphone.
Maker Space
Multiple dates
Let your little maker get creative in this free library activity for children aged two to 10 years.
The Maker space will run in the Toowong Library from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the following dates: 2-6, 9, 11, and 12 July 2018.
Bookings required for this free event. Call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
Create a Mood Board
Monday 2 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: CC-BY/decor8 holly/Flickr
Get inspired by making your own mini mood board. A mood board is goal orientated and includes clips of where you want to live, go on holiday, and what you want to become.
This activity is ideal for young adults aged 12-18 years old.
Bookings required for this free event. Call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
Poke-Tanical Hunt
Tuesday, 3 July 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Inspired by the game Pokemon Go, the Poke-Tanical Hunt is a plant and animal hunting game in the Botanic Gardens. This game is ideal for kids 6-12 years.
Safely hunt through the gardens to find special specimens and “battle” to win badges. You will get a certificate if you “get them all.”
Bookings not required. Participants are asked to meet at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre.
Performance: The Bear in Our Backyard
Tuesday, 3 July 2018 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Photo credit: emmamiddleton.com
Let the kids experience the story of The Bear in our Backyard with songs, dance, puppetry, and rhyme with children’s author and performer Emma Middleton.
This session is ideal for children aged 3-7 years.
Bookings required for this free event. Call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
Drop in and Meet NAO
Tuesday, 3 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Don’t miss the chance to meet NAO robot, an amazing humanoid robot can sense its environment and interact with people using surprisingly lifelike gestures and movement.
This meet and greet session with NAO robot is open to all ages. Drop by the library any time between the listed times.
Bookings required for this free BNEtechkids workshop. Call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
Chocolate At Risk
Thursday, 5 July 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere
Let your little chocolate lover learn more about chocolates in this free learning session for kids eight years and over.
Participants are asked to meet at the Kitchen in the Garden of Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
Bookings required for this free event. For more information and to book, call 07 3403 2535.
Indigenous Stories with Craig Kemp
Saturday, 7 July 2018 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Open for kids aged 8-12 years, this event will let your child learn more about Aboriginal culture with the help of Craig Kemp.
Working as a cultural facilitator for 25 years, he is capable of engaging young people with light-hearted educational and comedic cultural immersion.
This workshop is perfect for 10-17-year-old sushi lovers. Learn the art of preparing delicious healthy sushi in this hands-on cooking workshop.
Bookings essential. Visit NAQ Nutrition to book. Registration for the event costs $5.
Participants are asked to wear closed in shoes and meet at the outdoor kitchen in the garden of Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
Tinker Table: Bee-Bots
Monday, 9 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, 11 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
A BNEtechkids workshop for kids and teens, let the children have some hands-on experimenting with Bee-Bots. Learn basic programming skills while helping your Bee-Bot navigate and solve a maze.
Booking not required.
Venue: Toowong Library
Palm Sheath Baskets – School Holiday Version
Tuesday, 10 July 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Learn how to shape and stitch native palm sheaths into beautiful shapes. Discover some of our native palms such as the Piccabeen Palm, while learning about their place in our rainforest ecosystems.
Ideal for kids 10 years and over, all materials will be provided in this free workshop.
Bookings required. Call 07 3403 2535 for more information and to reserve your place.
Participants are asked to meet at the Administration Building of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
Treasure Hunt
Tuesday, 10 July 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Race against the clock and crack the clues to discover the natural treasures hidden within the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha. Work alone or in a group and explore the Botanic Gardens to solve this exciting treasure hunt.
The treasure hunt is suitable for children aged 5-12 years and they must be accompanied by an adult.
Bookings not required. Participants are asked to meet at the Visitor Information Centre. Don’t forget to bring a pencil or pen.
Toowong Library School Holidays Children’s Book Club
Thursday, 12 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Join the Toowong Library for fun activities and a reading of the laugh-aloud Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables by Tim Harris. Mr Bambuckle cooks breakfast for his students and gives lessons in drone building!
This free event is ideal for children aged 7-12 years. Bookings required so call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Friday, 13 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
What would you do if a tiger arrived on your doorstep to join you for tea? Join the Toowong Library to celebrate the 50th birthday of the beloved picture book The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. Lots of fun to be had with a storytime, crafts and games.
This free event is ideal for children aged 5-9 years.
Bookings required. Call the Toowong Library on 07 3403 2590 to reserve your place.
