Readers & writers

Grab a classic read

If you love a good classic – from Jane Austen to J.R.R. Tolkien – now’s the time to explore some of the giants of English literature. Explore our Celebrating Classic Writers list.

Discover well-loved authors and immerse yourself in the stories that have become classics. Explore influential writers who have made significant contributions to creative expression and often social change.

Celebrating Classic Writers

We’re celebrating classic writers at Gold Coast Libraries, inviting you to explore and enjoy some of the giants of English literature.

Later this month, take part in our exciting competition to win a double pass to HOTA’s new exhibition Writers Revealed, which also celebrates classic writers! The prize pack will also include tickets to The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale and Shakespeare's Macbeth live stage shows. As 2025 is the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen’s birth, look out for our special exhibition touring our libraries until the end of the year, in partnership with the UK’s Jane Austen’s House.

To top off our celebrations in style, don’t miss our Step into Regency Dance event at the end of June! Come dressed in your Bridgerton best for an enchanting evening of Regency dance and literature, with Cultural Historian Dr Heather Blasdale Clarke and live music from historical band, Phillip’s Dog.

View our What's On calendar to book your free tickets and browse all our 'Celebrating Classic Writers' events throughout June!

Find your next read

We have a great range of resources to help you find your next read. For personalised reading ideas, just ask one of our friendly team. You’re also invited to join us at our special author events and winter book clubs. Stock up on reading material now, escape into a great book, and meet or share your recommendations about books you’ve enjoyed with fellow book lovers!

Want to meet an author?

We host touring authors online and in person throughout the year, from debut authors and household names to famous faces of the future. Keep an eye on our social media channels and events calendar for more information.

Writers Plus!

We've got everything to support your writing journey. Whether you're just starting out or already published, we have something to help take your writing to the next level. Attend one of our monthly Masterclasses, led by an industry expert, to learn and extend your knowledge and skills. Drop into a writing session utilising the Pomodoro Technique at Writing Friday, Writing Saturday or Writing Sunday. Or just use our spaces for free Wi-Fi and creative environments great for your writing projects. Don't forget to check out the latest writing books while you're in there.

Writing Rendezvous

In collaboration, Gold Coast Libraries and Queensland Writers Centre present an exclusive opportunity for Gold Coast writers to foster their writing practice and engage with fellow writers. This volunteer-led program, based on the Pomodoro Technique, is open to writers of all levels and is offered free of charge. Join us to enjoy an inspiring writing environment, connect with the local writing community, and discover a new tool that ensures heightened productivity.

• Writing Friday , 10am – 4pm at Helensvale Library and Elanora Library
• Writing Saturday at Nerang Library. 9am – 1pm.
• Writing Sunday, 10am – 1pm at Southport Library

Gold Coast Libraries present professional free workshops for local writers. Each month there is a new theme and presenter either in person or livestream. Covering a wide range of topics, including world building, self-publishing, developing characters, poetry, memoirs and more, you are guaranteed to learn something new to improve or start your writing process. Stay updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter.

If you are looking for short or long courses to do on writing, creative writing and more? Head to LinkedIn Learning via our library website, enter your library card and pin and enjoy access to thousands of courses delivered by professionals, all at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.

Ben's Book Club

Ben's Book Club is an exclusive digital reading community tailored for Australian and New Zealand libraries and led by renowned bestselling author Ben Hobson. Members can instantly borrow the monthly book from Ben's Book Club via the Libby reading app, bypassing waitlists and reservations. Become a member today to access our great collection of digital resources 24/7. If you missed out on a session of Ben's Book Club you can catch up at the Gold Coast Libraries YouTube playlist.

Local Library Book Clubs

Our local library book clubs are a wonderful way for book lovers to come together and discuss their favourite reads. Each club focusses on a different monthly theme to help you expand your reading interests and discover new and exciting books. Find your closest library book club.

Set up your own book club!

Want to connect with other local readers and form your own book club?

When you've started your book club, you can access our range of book club kits available for loan. Each kit contains 10 copies of a title for the exclusive use of your book club.

If interested in registering to use our book club kits, head into your local library to create your book club membership.

Follow our Facebook page for great reading recommendations, new releases and author content.

Are you a Gold Coast author?

Gold Coast Libraries supports local writers by providing expert workshops, spaces to work and the opportunity to share your work with our library customers.

Would you like to see your book in our library collection? If you're a local author and library member who's been self or independently published, we encourage you to submit your publication to be assessed for adding to our collection.

To be considered, your book must have been published within the last 3 years, and you must be a Gold Coast resident and Gold Coast Libraries member. All submissions are assessed against our collection selection criteria.

If you’re a Gold Coast resident, but not a member, you can join for free at your local library.

If your publication is about or set on the Gold Coast, but you’re not a Gold Coast resident, please submit an online enquiry.

Physical publications

Our local author process for physical items is managed by our supplier Peter Pal. If you are interested in submitting your book click the link below:

physical book request

Digital publications

If your eBook is already available on Overdrive or Borrowbox, you can submit your request to have this added to our collection by clicking the link below:

ebook request