Update

The below update is a summary taken from the Ipswich Libraries Report Card 2024. To read the full report, please click here.

Library Report Card Summary

By location

  • ​Ipswich Central Library
    • 21,078 active members with 4,824 new members which is an increase of 15% on 2023
    • Conversion of Library Programs training room to a community accessible event space
    • 6,832 meeting room/event space bookings.

  • ​Ipswich Children’s Library
    • Story Box Library Filming – actor Chris Alosio was filmed reading ‘Every Night at Midnight’ by Peter Cheong, and ‘Gus’ by Liz Murray.
    • 23,620 people visited the Ipswich Children’s Library during September school holidays setting an all-time record for school holidays.

  • ​Redbank Plains Library
    • Visitation continues to be strong with 47,981 visitors in 2024, a steady 6% increase from 2023. This also represents a 73% increase on visitation pre refurbishment
    • Membership was an identified goal for the Redbank Libraries’ team, reflected by over 2,000 new members across these two branches in 2024
    • Saturday Stories – Garbage Galore engaged 119 community members (59 adults, 60 children), providing families with the chance to see a garbage truck up close and info on the importance of recycling.

  • ​Redbank Plaza Library
    • Refurbishment at tender stage with completion expected in 2025. This project is very eagerly awaited by staff and customers
    • Programs delivered have been well received, showing excellent future promise for when the space has been expanded and enhanced
    • An average of 3,100 visitors per month, a 5% increase on 2023.

  • ​Rosewood Library
    • Restyling of the Marketplace and mini-Makerspace areas to improve customer access, review technology and improve line of sight
    • Improvements in accessibility to the children’s collection, installing lower shelf height and book bins to make collection more accessible for children and making the space more flexible for program use
    • Insurance roof works completed following a period of five weeks of library closure for safety reasons with the library reopening Monday 16 December 2024.

  • ​Springfield Central Library
    • Enhanced accessibility to collections through changes to collection layout, moving Large Print and Audiobooks to Level 1
    • Collection reshuffle has allowed for a planned increase in seating options in the quiet study area on Level 2 – seating is in high demand, particularly in assessment periods for students
    • Continues to be a very busy branch with 287,888 visitors in 2024, an annual increase of 12%
    • Growth is evident with every month in 2024 experiencing days of visitation exceeding 1,000 visitors.

What you shared

Each year, Ipswich Libraries conduct community consultations to determine satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.

This year the feedback survey indicates customer satisfaction for the Karalee Library Pod has reached an all-time high, while the number of respondents visiting our libraries to study, work and read has more than doubled.

A total of 1,464 people completed the survey and the community shared beneficial information.


What you told us.

Feedback

44 respondents (3%) provided suggestions, such as the following suggestions that would help them visit the library more often.

  • Collection

    More and improved collection, digital resources as well as more events and programs.

  • Branches

    Increased individual study spaces, private areas with USB ports and comfortable seating, and water stations

  • Library Programs

    Advertising programs and services on social media and schools.

  • Access

    Improved parking facilities and extended opening hours

Your comments

*comments from 2023/2024 Library Survey participants

How you shared

Opportunities for the community to share ideas and preferences about the Ipswich City Council Libraries were made available both in-person at Ipswich Libraries locations and at the 2024 Ipswich Show, as well as online.


If you provided your details to enter the competition or receive further information, they will be kept confidential and in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.

Chat with us in person at one of the following locations

Monday 13 May to Monday 17 June 2024

Ipswich Libraries

To view the accurate times of operation for your local library click on your option below:

Ipswich Central Library - Ipswich Libraries

Redbank Plaza Library - Ipswich Libraries

Redbank Plains Library - Ipswich Libraries

Rosewood Library - Ipswich Libraries

Springfield Central Library - Ipswich Libraries

Children's Library - Ipswich Libraries

A printed version of the survey can be handed into any one of the libraries located above or emailed to libinfo@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

Friday 17 May to Sunday 19 May 2024

2024 Ipswich Show

Location: Ipswich Show Grounds, 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich, Queensland

Dates: Friday 17 May to Sunday 19 May 2024

Time: 9am to 8pm daily

Visit our Libraries

Visit Ipswich Libraries online to see what services we provide