Internet Access

We have five public access computers. Three hours free Internet access per person per week is available, with a maximum use of one hour per day. Internet users must comply with the council’s internet policy.

Adaptive technology

One of our public access computers is fitted with a range of special features to assist users with physical disabilities. It has a large screen and can enlarge and voice read text from the internet, a book, or the user’s own word processing. There is also a track-ball for users who have difficulty with a mouse and the height of the desk can be adjusted electrically for easy access.

Internet Help

We will help you learn the basic skills for effective internet use. Please ask us.

Word Processing

A computer is also available for word processing. Help is available if your skills are limited.

• Bulk loans - We offer extended bulk loans of books on specific topics to schools and community groups.
• School and community group visits - We invite schools and community groups to visit us by prior arrangement. We will work with teachers and group leaders to organise a program to meet the specific needs of the group.
• Home delivery service to the aged or housebound - If you live in Oakey, we will endeavour to call every fortnight with some books to keep you company.
• Photocopying and printing - In the true spirit of a free library service, we do not charge for photocopying from library materials or for printing from the Internet but we do ask you not to overuse this service.

The local history collection is an initiative of the Friends of the Library and is housed in a room in the Community Centre adjacent to the Library. The collection focuses on the history of our shire and its neighbours and includes books, maps, photographs,personal letters, shopping dockets and other business records, pamphlets and clippings. Collecting the records of the past for the benefit of future generations is a continuous project. The library has an active program of copying photographs and documents from private collections as well as documenting interviews with significant older members of the community.

Gifts to the collection are most welcome. The library staff are gradually cataloguing and indexing the collection to make it accessible via the library's catalogue.

If you are seeking to trace your family tree, we have resources available on CD Rom and microfiche, as well as in print.
Useful websites for family history:-

• National Library of Australia : Australian Family History and Genealogy
• State Library of Queensland : Family History

Friends gather in the Library on the first and third Fridays of each month between 9 30 am and 2 30 pm for book chat and coffee while helping to organize the local history collection. If you have a spare half hour, new faces are always welcome.

Friends of the Library is an international organisation. Groups have been formed all over Australia to provide community support and advocacy for Libraries. Through liasing with Library staff and making recommendations to the Toowoomba Regional Council, our Friends of the Library have a positive influence on the development of our Library. Our local history collection is their special interest. Membership is only $10 annually. Make contact with the Friends via the Library.