The City Library is Cairns Libraries largest and busiest branch. It is located in the Cairns CBD on a large lot surrounded by parkland dominated by huge fig trees. The building, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, was constructed in 1929 and served as Cairns City Council's Chambers until council moved to new premises in 1998.

The City Library is the largest branch of Cairns Libraries, and is very popular with both residents and visitors. It houses a large Reference collection, including Regional Resources relating to the history of the Cairns area. The Family History collection is also based here. An Information Desk is staffed each weekday to assist with enquiries.

A comfortable air-conditioned conference area accommodating up to 80 people is available for hire during or out of business hours. A smaller meeting room seating 10 people, is available for hire during business hours only. A fully functional kitchen is also available for use.

City Library currently offers a full range of services including a self-check station, photocopying, access to 14 computers for word processing or internet via a booking management system, and a daily courier service to ensure residents have access to the full range of items on Cairns Libraries' catalogue.

City Library has 52,634 items in its collection including DVDs, CDs, newspapers and magazines. In 2010/11, 385,551 people visited the library, borrowed 286,842 items and placed 37,965 reservations.

Story time sessions are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Check our Lifestyle Calendar. Please contact library staff to make a booking. Computer for Beginner Training Workshops are also held every Wednesday at 10.30am.  Contact the Client Services Librarian on 4044 3730 to make a booking for the computer workshops.

A special feature at the City Library is the Literary Trail, a display of public artworks completed in 1999 by local artists, building on the inspiration of literary works by authors who have resided at one time or other in the Cairns Region. Follow the Literary Trail as you walk around the exterior of the library building, or explore it on Trail webpages.