Ipswich turns a page with unveiling of $8.8m Rosewood Library

25 July 2020

Ipswich residents were today given a preview of their new state-of-the-art library at Rosewood, which is set to open to the public on Monday.

Mayor Teresa Harding was joined by Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe to unveil the $8.8 million library, a joint initiative of Ipswich City Council and Queensland Government.

Mayor Harding said the library was indicative of what council can achieve when it works closely with the community and other levels of government.

“This library marks the start of a new chapter for Rosewood, as we move towards a modern and innovative way of accessing council services,” she said.

“With the Rosewood Library, council is ensuring that our community has access to the facilities and services we need to help us meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.

“We are very excited to see how the Ipswich community uses this space, and to adapt it to their evolving needs in the years ahead.”

The two-storey building features a large open plan general reading area with a dedicated children’s space, customer service area, high-tech makerspace and Ipswich Libraries’ popular marketplace collection on the ground floor.

The upstairs area hosts meeting rooms, a function and events area, and general reading and collection areas.

Minister Hinchliffe said the library would play an important role in helping develop young minds.

“The Rosewood Library has been years in the making and it will serve to connect, educate, entertain and inspire the community here for generations to come,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“I am a firm believer that learning and knowledge provide the key to a better world and it is through facilities such as this that young minds will be opened up to different ideas and a greater understanding of how a better future can be achieved.

“While I am proud that the Queensland Government contributed almost $2.7 million to help make the library a reality, the benefits of enriching young minds with knowledge to inspire greater imagination and ideas is, quite simply, priceless.”

Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the library was specifically designed to support innovation.

“The library’s walk-up makerspace gives the community an opportunity to expand their digital knowledge and skills, using advanced technology they may otherwise not have access to,” Cr Milligan said.

“It’s a cutting-edge digital experience hub where the community can play and learn using the latest technology including an interactive, multi-touch digital table, a virtual reality experience and world leading holographic technology.”

Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the library had important connections to the local community.

“Nods to our region’s rich history are featured throughout the Rosewood Library, including its heritage style façade in keeping with the iconic John Street and the local history room filled with memories of our city,” Cr Kunzelmann said.

“A storytelling chair featuring artwork from children’s book Bat vs Poss which was illustrated by Ipswich based Anil Tortop, also offers a special connection to our community.”

Rosewood Library is open to the public from 9am on Monday, 27 July.