We won. Burleigh Heads Library is staying — for good.

Today, Full Council voted to keep our library open: same location, same size, same services. To everyone who signed the petition, wrote to a councillor, put a poster in their window, showed up to a rally, or simply told a friend why this mattered — thank you. This was never decided in one meeting. It was decided every time someone in this community refused to let it go quietly. We couldn't have done it without you.

Community campaign — Burleigh Heads, QLD

One community asset shouldn't have to disappear for another to exist.

Gold Coast City Council planned to permanently close Burleigh Heads Library and turn the building into a temporary arts and creative hub — a decision made without community consultation. Locals said no — and we won.

How you can help Read the full story

CLOSURE DUE — 24 JULY 2026

WON — full-service library retained

On 15 September 2026, Full Council voted to retain Burleigh Heads Library as a full-service branch — same location, same size, same services. The motion went further than the closure decision or the later "Library Lounge" proposal.

Campaigners holding 'Save Burleigh Heads Library' signs outside Gold Coast City Council Chambers

A line of campaigners holding colourful campaign posters outside council chambers

Campaigners and children gathered outside Burleigh Heads Library holding 'Save Our Library' signs

A campaigner celebrating, holding up a campaign poster reading 'There is no community without a library'

Where things stand

Won: the library is staying

2 April 2026

Council votes to close the library

Gold Coast City Council voted 9–6, in a closed budget session with no public consultation, to close Burleigh Heads Library and repurpose the building as a temporary arts and creative hub.

24 July 2026

A temporary reprieve, after a 3,000+ signature petition

Facing a petition tabled by Cr Josh Martin, council confirmed the branch — due to close that day — would stay open until the Burleigh Waters refurbishment finishes, and opened a review of the decision. Reduced hours, space, books and the shift to a "Library Lounge" model had already begun.

3 September 2026

Committee recommends a permanent, staffed library

Council's Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience Committee recommended retaining a permanent, staffed library service at Burleigh Heads — including borrowing, on-site staff, family programs, Wi-Fi and community spaces — operating alongside the proposed Level Up Arts Hub in the same building. Notably, the recommendation went against council officers' own advice, which had recommended closing the library.

15 September 2026

WON — full-service library retained

Full Council voted to retain Burleigh Heads Library as a full-service branch library: same location, same size, same services. Cr Josh Martin moved the motion, seconded by Cr Marshall, with support from a majority of councillors.

See the full timeline below ↓

The full timeline

The story so far, in detail

Save Burleigh Heads Library timeline, from the 2001 Library Infrastructure Plan through the 2023 Master Plan, the January/February 2024 refurbishment, the 2026 closure decision, the community campaign and petition, the July 2026 temporary reprieve, and the ongoing advocacy for full restoration

In their words

Why this matters to Burleigh Heads

“Burleigh Heads deserves both library and arts services. One community asset should not have to disappear for another to exist.” Linda Daley, Save Burleigh Heads Library campaign coordinator

The campaign in action

Locals showing up, again and again

Save Burleigh Heads Library A-frame signs outside the library — Campaign signage outside Burleigh Heads Library

Campaign volunteer holding a Save Burleigh Heads Library sign — A volunteer at a community rally

Residents signing the petition at a table outside the library — Signing the petition outside council chambers

This decision can still be reversed.

See what's happening this week and where your help is needed most.

Get involved