The Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, James Cook University is a landmark and building of the Bebegu Yumba Campus (in Townsville), designed by the prominent Queensland architect James Birrell.

The Mabo Library is an architectural icon. Designed in the Brutalist architectural style of the late 1960s, it is a building that made brilliant use of reinforced concrete to achieve an outstanding aesthetic result.

The three-storey, 10,460 sq m building is currently home to the University's library and special collections and to the Library & Information Services and Learning, Teaching & Student Engagement directorates.

The Mabo Library Special Collections holds some items in our Library archival holdings related to the architect James Birrell.

Library Building Timeline

1968

Stage I of the library building completed by architect James Birrell.

1976

Stage II completed

1990

Extension completed.

2005

James Birrell wins Australia's most prestigious architectural prize - the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal.

2006

The JCU Library Building on the Townsville Campus receives the 25 Year Architecture Award presented by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects - Queensland Chapter.

2008

On 21st May, in honour of Eddie Koiki Mabo, James Cook University named its Townsville Campus Library the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library.

2010

A library redevelopment project is announced, funded by the University and the Federal Government's Better Universities Renewal Funding Initiative, to provide more vibrant and contemporary learning spaces in the Mabo Library.

2012

Brewster Hjorth architects transformational renovations to the ground floor of Mabo Library are completed.

Phase one is completed in February and some of the new features included: a one-stop service desk including Library InfoHelp and Learning Advice, Learning Commons with computers and Wi-Fi, southern entry/exit, café, Assistive Technologies lab and new staff areas and consultation rooms.

In July a new 24 hour Information Commons is, providing Wi-Fi, PC and Mac computers, colour and B&W copying and printing, drink and snack machines, free student lockers with power, group and individual seating, and access to toilets. Three new iLecture rooms are adjacent to the Information Commons. Designed for group study and interactive learning, when not booked for teaching, students are able to use the rooms for quiet study.

Project Description from Brewster Hjorth Architects

The talented students of the Bachelor of Multimedia Journalism also produced a video about the project

2014

Eddie Koiki Mabo Library building is included in the places of cultural heritage value list by Townsville City Council.

2015

In January the outdoor seating area at the NW Café entrance is opened where students, staff and visitors can enjoy their coffee, gelato and other goodies from Juliette’s near the wonderful Heart Space and Collections sculpture by Col Henry. The outdoor space includes tables and access to power and JCU Wi-Fi (Eduroam).

In February the new purpose-built service centre for AccessAbility, servicing students with disabilities and health conditions, is completed.

In November the student kitchenette is opened. Located on the NE corner of the Mabo Library, outside of the 24hr Information Commons, with 24 hour food preparation facilities including 2 microwaves, sink, bench and instant hot/cold water.  Funded by Student Services Amenities Fees.

2017

New outdoor furniture is added to the kitchenette as part of the completed Verandah Walk project.

2018

Eddie Koiki Mabo Library building is recognised as one of Australia's top ten iconic architectural sites by the University of Melbourne's top architectural experts.

2019

Eddie Koiki Mabo Library building is recognised as one of Australia's top ten concrete public architectural works by Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia.

2020

In 2020, the Mabo Timeline Interpretive Wall is unveiled as part of JCU's 50th anniversary celebrations. The Interpretive Wall, located on the ground floor of the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library near the Cafe Entrance, show cases important events from Eddie Mabo's timeline and the University's timeline, and honours the Bindal Country on which the Library Building is situated. The Interpretive Wall is accessible whenever the Library Building is open, and can be seen online at the link above.

2021/2022

The northern section of the top floor and parts of the first floor are renovated to create improved student study spaces.