The rich history of Hamilton Library

Originally built as the Hamilton town hall in 1920, the Hamilton library located on the corner of Racecourse Road and Rossiter Parade today stands as one of Brisbane’s eight remaining town halls constructed in the twentieth century.


28 November 2021

When the Hamilton Town Council was disbanded in 1925, the building became the property of the Brisbane City Council and had various uses including as a Council Depot and as a School of Arts. 

Interestingly, the building was headquarters for the Australian Army Survey Corps during World War Two. After the war, major alterations were made to the Council Chambers to create the Hamilton Municipal Library, which has been in operation since 1948. The original 'Reliance' strongroom with steel doors remains in working order.

Today the library remains a popular community facility which is more than just a place to borrow books. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, study, learn something new or find something old – Hamilton Library offers a range of free services for the local community. 

Pick up a copy of What’s On in Libraries, your bi-monthly guide to upcoming programs and events including  monthly ‘morning of mystery’ trivia events, books clubs, children’s literacy and digital literacy programs as well as fun and free activities for children during the school holidays.  

The library is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 5pm, Wednesday 1pm until 6pm and Saturday 9am until 4pm.  

What’s on at Hamilton library

Hamilton library hosts regular weekly events for both adults and children.

  • Morning of mystery  - Every third Friday of the month 9-10am. Bookings required.
  • One on one tech help - Tech assistance for troubleshooting technical issues, developing digital skills and improving online confidence. 
  • Hamilton happy readers - Held every fourth Wednesday between 12pm and 1pm. 
  • First 5 Forever Babies Books & Rhymes - Thursdays at 9.30am.
  • First 5 Forever Toddler Time - Tuesdays at 9.30am. 

Check out the library’s event calendar for a program of events over the summer school holidays.

Read more stories in REALM magazine

See more articles on