FAQs
What is The Edge?
The Edge is part of State Library of Queensland and provides young Queenslanders with the opportunity and inspiration to explore creativity across the arts, technology, science and enterprise.
On offer at The Edge is:
- A year-round calendar of workshops, activities, events and exhibitions
- Opportunities to develop your creative practice and projects
- Free access to a broad range of hardware and software
- An online community to connect with people of similar interests
- Physical spaces to meet with others and work on your own projects
- Access to free wi-fi
Who can use it?
The Edge’s primary focus is young people aged 15 to 25 years.
For those under 18 we do have some special responsibilities:
- If you’re under 12, you are not able to use The Edge computers to access the internet. You are able to bring in your own laptop and use The Edge’s wireless.
- From 12 to 14 years, you can use The Edge computers to access the internet, as long as you have written permission from a parent or guardian
- From 14 to 17 years, you can use The Edge computers to access the internet, as long as you have written permission from a parent or guardian or have attended a ‘safe use of the internet’ seminar from our Visitor Services Officers (VSOs)
Organisations interested in using the venue should refer to our corporate hire information for guidelines.
Is it free?
Yes. You can use the space and the facilities for free, just as you would a traditional library. Most of the programs run by The Edge are free; just check the details prior to booking. There is a cost associated with the induction course for Lab 3, but once this course is completed you are able to use the recording studio at no charge. Organisations that wish to use the venue for events or workshops should refer to our corporate hire section for further information.
Do I need to book?
During opening hours, anyone is able to walk in and use the space for personal work or small group meetings. Bookings are recommended for window bays and Macs and are required for workshops and events.
Who is available to help me with my projects?
Our Visitor Services Officers (VSOs) are available during opening hours to provide basic technical support for those working in the space. For more specialist queries, each of the VSOs has a different skill set and will be able to assist to varying degrees for questions relating to audio, film, animation, design or coding. Other users of the space also have a remarkable set of skills. The best avenue for collaborating and networking with others is through the groups on The Edge website. Sign up for an account to post into relevant groups.
Do you provide studio space?
Anyone is able to use the general public facilities during opening hours. If you are looking for a studio space on an ongoing basis we offer a Residents program, which provides office and creative space, access to resources and some financial support. Callouts for Residents happen on a regular basis, to keep up to date subscribe to the enews.
Why would State Library initiate a project like The Edge?
The Edge is an initiative of State Library of Queensland, continuing State Library’s leadership in reimagining libraries for the 21st century.
Libraries have always been about knowledge and information and The Edge is about all of these, with a focus on the digital. As receptacles of knowledge, libraries have provided inspiration and information to generations of creative people. Through The Edge, this process is extended full circle, through showcasing and promoting creative outputs, back to recording and storing them for future generations.
Read more about State Library’s service commitment to you.
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