Townsville was the first city in the state of Queensland to open a free public library service in 1938.

The book The History of Townsville Library Service: An institution of help and education by Richard Sayers was published in 2008.

Its features include a meeting room with kitchen, separate Teen Area, and an Access Information Centre.

This library was home to the Parents' Collection, an outdoor children's play area, and a café.

Citylibraries Flinders Street houses and extensive collection of material related to the history of Townsville.

The collection includes books, maps, photographs, pamphlet files, plans, oral histories, newspapers and microfilms.

[4] Citylibraries offers a varied program of lifelong learning, including book clubs and book talks, Tech Savvy Seniors, Computers, Digital Technology, Online Help and 3D Printing sessions, Learning Links, Townsville Reads, and Open Universities Australia Connect Library.