Springfield Central Library, Ipswich Libraries (2018- )

Springfield Central Library was the first new library to be opened in Ipswich in over 20 years.

The need for the the library was identified as part of Ipswich City Council's City Library Service Strategy. It is a facility considered essential to cater for the growing Springfield area and to service surrounding suburbs. Previously serviced by the Mobile Library from 2009 and noted as the Mobile Library's busiest stop, demand was outstripping service provision in this area. The increasing number of schools being built in the area was another key driver.

The planned outcomes were to deliver a library space that incorporated the following elements: an integrated customer service lobby, main collection space, specific library activity spaces, administrative spaces and community facilities.

The library is located in leased spaces in the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre and cost $2.8 million to open.

Information on the Ipswich Libraries' website in 2018 described that Springfield Central Library:

will provide the community with a new space to enjoy and a destination where they can relax, learn and connect with others. It will offer a new hands-on digital experience that will delight, inform and build the Ipswich communities’ digital capacity while supporting the Smart City initiative.

There are 4 levels occupied by the library, with levels 1 and 2 hosting the majority of library materials and services.

The first level includes the the primary staff welcome desk and the majority of the library collection. The children's area, parent's room, makerspace and public access computers are also located on this level. 

The second level hosts additional library collection, bookable spaces including meeting rooms, event spaces and kitchen. Study spaces, computer training room and staff administration area are also on this floor.

The ground floor level has access to Main Street as well as limited seating.

The basement level provides access to, a returns chute, staff processing area and 24/7 SmartLockers for reservation collections. These lockers were the first of their kind installed in Australia.

The library was opened on Saturday, August 25th 2018 by acting Mayor Wayne Wendt. The opening weekend attracted approximately 3,200 attendees to a variety of events including events with cricketer Glenn McGrath and author Matthew Reilly.

During it's first weekend of operation, 492 new members joined Ipswich Libraries, a 2% increase in total membership. From opening day until September 30th 2018, over 2,200 new members joined at the location and 40,619 items were loaned.