This library visit was not planned. We checked out the Westfield mall at North Lakes, no not for IKEA but to see if my 14-year old son may be able to use his Rebel Sport voucher at the store. Alas, he couldn’t decide what to get but guess what there’s a library in the vicinity. So off we went for a visit!

Date of Visit: Tuesday 7 November 2023.

Features: North Lakes Library is situated in the north of Brisbane and is part of the Moreton Bay Region Libraries network. This is surprising to know as it is only about 15 minutes drive from the Brisbane suburb of Bracken Ridge. The Bracken Ridge Library is part of the Brisbane City Council libraries network.

The North Lakes Library provides contemporary library collection, services and space to the North Lakes community and surrounds. I love the spaciousness of this library. There are also big windows so plenty of natural light flows through the library space. There are a number of PCs available although at the time of the visit not many were being used. If you’re not a library member, you would need a temporary code and password to use a PC. This can be obtained from a library staff at the information desk. Speaking of library staff, they wear a uniform – blue top and black bottom. I noticed some of the services include a Guided Meditation (every Thursday but only for 15 minutes); Laughter Yoga Club (6pm for 30 minutes – I wonder how many people turn up for this?); and a Writers Group (2 hours 1st Saturday of every month). Seems to me Queenslanders are keen on supporting writers and budding writers.

I love the opening hours – from 8:30am to 6:00pm on weekdays and it’s opened on Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm. There are plenty of comfortable seatings all around and the study bays are huge. A great space for students and for those who just want a quiet space to read and study. At the time of the visit, a mixture of community demographics (young and old but not professional people) were using the library. Toilets are available and the sign showed showers are also available but when I checked, the shower head had been disconnected. Alas, there is no cafe available but the mall is nearby.

Overall Impression: I wonder how old this library is because this feels like a new library to me. Ok I just Googled it and it’s only 9 years old. I like this library. I could easily spend hours here. And the Westfield mall is just next door. What else could you ask for? A highly recommended visit if you’re in the area.