Ipswich Municipal Library, Ipswich Centre, Bell & East Streets (c.1978-1995)

The Ipswich Municipal Library relocated during the 1978/1979 financial year, to the recently opened Ipswich Centre (located above the Ipswich Train Station, in Bell Street).

The Library was on the upper floor of the Ipswich Centre, with the main entry from East Street and with access from Bell Street for prams and wheelchairs.  It was described as a 'modern, spacious, air-conditioned and carpeted area of 735 square metres.'  The location also allowed rear access, via a loading bay, for the delivery of new stock and the rotation of Bookmobile (mobile library) collections and there was an after-hours return shute for books near the East Street entrance. 

The new location provided space for a large, informal, open reading area, complete with comfortable easy chairs, magazines and newspapers.  Study tables and carrels were also available. 

Through the selection of shelf colour, adult and juvenile collections were clearly  identifiable: brown for adults and red for children.  The children's area also featured its own causal reading area, including bean bags and study tables for older children.

In December 1978, late night shopping was introduced.  With the Library being in the middle of a retail precinct for the first time, the Library's opening hours changed.  In 1979, the Library was opened Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 4:30pm.  Library hours changed the following year to Monday and Thursday 9am to 8pm, 12pm-4:30pm on Tuesday and 9am-4:30 on Wednesday and Friday, with the branch closed on weekends.

Library membership remained free for all Ipswich residents, ratepayers, students, and people who worked in Ipswich.  For those living outside of the city boundaries, an annual subscription of $5 for adults and $2.50 for pensioners and junior members.  By June 1979, the Library had 21,329 (or, 28% of the population).