After two inspiring days at the QPLA LEaD PD event, our Library Leaders boarded a bus and headed north to the glorious Sunshine Coast for a library tour to remember.
First stop: Beerwah Library.
Nestled north of the Glass House Mountains in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Beerwah Library opened in 2000 and underwent a refurbishment in 2018. With its serene outlook over the wetlands and a striking mural of a black cockatoo, Beerwah library is a true gem in the region.
While Beerwah impressed us with its charm, the highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the brand-new Library+ at Caloundra—a stunning facility that opened its doors on 22 September 2025. This innovative space showcases cutting-edge technology, including reservation lockers, an automated returns sorter, fully equipped digital studios, and the provision for a well-resourced maker space in the future.
What stood out most?
The magnificent fig trees at the library’s entrance are the first thing you notice. The architects cleverly incorporated these into the design, creating airy meeting spaces nestled within the canopy.
Inside, the interior design reflects nature:
- Ground floor: earthy tones of orange, yellow, and brown
- Second floor: lush greens representing the canopy
- Third floor: calming blues symbolizing the sky
The foyer, complete with returns chutes, reservation shelves, and Wi-Fi, is accessible from 7 am to 8 pm daily, with Customer Liaison Officers available outside of the library’s opening hours. The stairway provides power and charging options and appears to be very popular with the community.
Beyond the foyer, the library provides many options to cater for everyone’s needs including:
- Large, flexible meeting rooms with after-hours access
- Small collaborative spaces packed with tech
- A quiet lounge where silence truly is golden!
Staff haven’t been forgotten either—dedicated meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology ensure their needs are met.
The library itself is inclusive, inviting, and deeply connected to the Caloundra community. The children’s area encourages exploration and play in a safe environment, while adult spaces offer calm and tranquillity away from the main hub. Every corner of Library+ is designed to be an experience—one well worth a visit.
Thank you to SLQ for partnering with QPLA in the Library Leaders program and making this tour possible for participants from across Queensland, including Longreach, Mt Isa and Weipa.
A special shout-out to Teresa Kohne and the Sunshine Coast Libraries team for hosting us so warmly.