Brisbane libraries
Search the library catalogue. Become a member and download the libraries app to manage your account online.
We’re dedicated to creating a liveable city with more leisure options and better facilities for everyone to enjoy.
Our libraries enable you to immerse yourself in book clubs, reading programs, events and workshops.
Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books and make the most of what’s on offer.
Library membership, programs, events and services are all free of charge.
Search the library catalogue
You can browse our online library catalogue from anywhere, anytime.
Use the eLibCat to find books, e-books, magazines, movies and more.
Tips to search
To get the most out of your search:
- type key words, phrases and author names into the search bar
- use the advanced search option to filter your query.
Ask a librarian
If you have a question for library staff or can’t find the title you're looking for, you can ask for help.
Submit your question via the ask a librarian form. Include your library membership number and email address, and a librarian will get back to you.
To sign up:
1. Visit any Council library.
2. Show proof of your current address.
3. Provide photo ID or proof of signature.
If you’re under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must provide their identification.
Digital Library memberships
Digital Library memberships give you immediate access to our e-collections and digital resources.
Sign up online to access:
- e-books and audiobooks
- digital magazines
- stories and learning programs for kids
- films and documentaries
- online games and activities
- databases and e-resources.
Convert your membership
Full library membership gives you access to all library resources. To convert your Digital Library membership to a full library membership, you need to visit a library.
Visit your local library
Browse the shelves at your local library. Find one near you to begin your reading journey.
Borrow, return or renew a book
Find important information on borrowing, returning and renewing books to make the most of your library visit.
You can borrow up to 20 items at a time for 4 weeks (28 days) at any Council library. Just show your library card each time you borrow an item.
If an item isn’t available or is at another library, you can reserve it using the online catalogue (eLibCat). You can place up to 20 items on hold.
All library items are due for return on or before the due date. You’ll receive a notification if an item is overdue.
If an item is overdue for more than 30 days, you will be unable to borrow another item until the overdue item has been returned.
If an item is overdue for more than 49 days, we consider the item to be lost and you will be charged a lost fee.
FastBack books are popular books that are available for shorter borrowing periods. FastBack books allow for a high turnover of items in demand.
When borrowing a FastBack, remember:
- it's only available for a 7-day loan period
- you cannot renew the loan period
- you must return it to the same library from which you borrowed it.
You can return most library items to any Council library.
For FastBack books, you must return them to the same library they were borrowed from.
24-hour returns are available at all Council libraries except for:
- Mt Coot-tha (library hours only)
- Toowong (shopping centre hours only)
- Sunnybank Hills (shopping centre hours only).
Look out for the returns box or chute to drop off your items.
You can renew library items in person, over the phone, through the library catalogue (eLibCat) or the BNELibraries app if:
- they aren’t already on hold for someone else
- you don't owe fees more than $10 in actual or accruing fees
- you haven't already renewed the item
- you don’t have any items that are overdue by 30 days or more
- the item isn’t a FastBack.
When you renew a book, your loan period is extended by 28 days from the renewal date (excluding the 7-day FastBack collection).
| Details of charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lost or damaged library card | $4.80 replacement |
| Lost or damaged library material | Value of item, plus $5 admin fee per item |
| Photocopying and printing (black and white) - A4 page | $0.20 |
| Photocopying and printing (black and white) - A3 page | $0.30 |
| Overdue loans | No fee |
| Holds | No fee |
| Interlibrary loans | No hold fee. Loan request fees may apply. Contact your local library for more information. |
Download the library app
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
Yes. All Council libraries are free to use and there’s no cost to join.
You can find library opening hours on your local library page.
The BNELibraries app lets you manage your membership online. Use the app to:
- search the library catalogue
- view checkouts for your account and linked accounts for friends and family
- place and manage holds on library items
- access e-books and other digital resources.
Learn more about the BNELibraries app.