City Library

The City Library is located in the Cairns CBD and has a rich history. The building, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, served as Cairns City Council's Chambers from 1886 until it was replaced by a new building that was opened in 1930.

In the late 1990s the building was re-designed and modified, but beautifully retains the elements of classic Greek and colonial Queensland architecture of the 1930s chamber. It reopened as the new City Library in 1999.

Nestled between Abbott, Aplin and Lake Streets, the picturesque building is surrounded by parkland with mature trees including Figs, Queen Palms and Traveller's Palms.

During Cairns Festival, the Library's facade is utilised for an incredible projection mapping event titled City Lights. Presented in collaboration with Sydney-based projection specialists, AGB Events, and local artists, City Lights is a state-of-the-art, surreal light and sound projection that has become one of the most loved features of Cairns Festival.

During the City Lights projection the library is closed to the public so please note there will not be toilets available to members of the public during this event. Nearest toilets are located at the Cairns Esplanade.

If you have any questions about access at the Cairns Festival please email festival@cairns.qld.gov.au.

“A definite must-do on the festival program, it’s a mesmerising sight watching the heritage-listed building come to life with larger-than-life, vivid projections bathing the entire building.” - Mayor Bob Manning.