Name of the Library: Cairns City Library
Parent Organisation: Cairns Regional Council
Street Address: 151 Abbott Street Cairns QLD 4870
Postal Address:PO Box 359 Cairns QLD 4870
Telephone :61 07 4044 3720
Web Address: http://www.cairnslibrary.com.au
Library Email: infodesk@cairns.qld.gov.au
Type of Library : Central/ Main Library
Population served: 157,102
Project Type: Refurbishment
Size (square metres): 2010
Date of Completion: 1999
Architect: Power Graham & Dempsey Pty Ltd, Stephenson & Turner International
Description
The Cairns City Library and surrounding tropical gardens have been recognised for their historic importance by the Cairns Regional Council, the Australian Heritage Commission, and the Queensland Heritage Council.
The Cairns City Library building was originally built as a council chamber and officially opened on the 11 August 1930. This 1930s building was designed by Hill and Taylor architects, whose work blended elements of classic Greek and colonial Queensland architecture. Extensive alterations were made during the 1960s and again in the 1970s.
In the late 1990s the building was re-designed and modified by architects Power Graham & Dempsey, and Stephenson & Turner International, with every effort made to retain the ambience of the 1930s chamber. It reopened as the new City Library in 1999.
The historic central chamber with its distinctive cedar timber panelling has been retained as the Information and Reference Room. The original high plaster ceilings, paired cedar doors and lead-light windows have been restored. Also of historic and architectural interest are the original strong room door, the Lake Street portico, and the Ionic columns.
The large Moreton Bay fig trees, planted in 1907, remain as a feature of the gardens which were redesigned in 1999 by landscape architects Siteplan Cairns. Another special feature of the gardens is the Literary Trail, a display of public artworks completed in 1999 by local artists, inspired by the literary works of authors who have resided in the Cairns Region.
As part of the Cairns Libraries network, the Cairns City Library’s many programs and services include:
- Extensive children’s activities such as Baby Rhyme Time, storytime, and school holiday activities
- LearnIT @ your library information technology classes
- Literary events and workshops
- City heritage walks
- Family history workshops and drop-in sessions
- Professional reference and information services
- An extensive regional resource collection and family history collection
- Display areas including a permanent Cairns Regional Council Sister Cities display
- Free Wi-Fi
- Meeting Rooms for hire
Awards
Inclusion on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1998
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