Vote for South Australia’s best public library innovation
The award, which is presented every two years, celebrates the people, projects and services finding new ways to help public libraries meet the changing needs of their communities.
This year’s four finalists have been chosen for the innovative ways their libraries are bringing people together, supporting vulnerable residents and helping children develop a love of learning.
The finalists are:
- City of Charles Sturt – Ngutungka West Lakes and Ngutungka Henley are reimagining what a public library can be.
- Light Regional Council – An innovative council-led program helping families and giving children a brighter start through books.
- City of Adelaide and City of Salisbury – Social Work in libraries bringing specialist support to the heart of the community.
- City of Onkaparinga – Library After Dark which is a place for young people to make connections, socialise and get creative.
LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said the Jim Crawford Award – which honours the respected former city councillor and Libraries Board of South Australia Chair – is a chance to recognise how good libraries are, and the important role they play in communities across the state.
“Public libraries make a daily difference in ways that reach well beyond their walls, offering support to families, young people, spots to study and learn, and help to people experiencing hardship or feeling socially isolated,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“Councils are constantly innovating and evolving the ways their libraries can support people of all ages to learn new skills, access services, connect with others and feel part of their local community.
“This year's finalists show the many ways libraries are responding to local needs and making a real difference in people's lives.”
South Australia has more than 140 public libraries providing essential services for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Over the past year, LGA’s How Good Are Libraries campaign has highlighted the significant social and economic value these services deliver, with libraries returning nearly $3 in value for every $1 invested.
Mayor Holmes-Ross said voting in the Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries takes just a couple of minutes and encouraged South Australians to have their say.
“Every community has a library with a story worth celebrating and these finalists are great examples of success,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“I encourage everyone to take a moment to explore the projects and cast your vote.”
The Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries offers a $10,000 prize to the winning project.
The Award is presented alongside the Jim Crawford Family Trust and Public Libraries SA, which together with LGA have a representative on the judging panel to shortlist the finalists.
Voting can be completed through LGA’s website and remains open until 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November.
Cast your vote: lga.sa.gov.au/vote-now
Learn more about the Jim Crawford Award: lga.sa.gov.au/library-award
More about the finalists
Reimagining libraries at Ngutungka (City of Charles Sturt)
Ngutungka West Lakes and Ngutungka Henley are reimagining what a public library can be by combining library services with community development.
Since Ngutungka West Lakes opened in 2022, followed by Ngutungka Henley, the City of Charles Sturt has recorded a 56 per cent increase in library visits across its library service.
Free book packs for families (Light Regional Council)
The Building Early Engagement and Support (BEES) program helps families across the Light region build a strong foundation for learning from birth.
Through a five-year partnership, families receive free monthly book packs, age-appropriate development tips, play resources and connections to local services and other families.
The service also supports access to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a free book gifting program for children.
Social worker support services (City of Adelaide and City of Salisbury)
The Social Work in Libraries initiative brings professional social workers into public libraries to help vulnerable community members, connect people with appropriate services and support library staff respond to complex situations.
Through two complementary approaches, the City of Adelaide, through its Homelessness Strategy, and City of Salisbury, are making specialist support more accessible in trusted, welcoming spaces.
Library After Dark for young adults (City of Onkaparinga)
Library After Dark gives young adults aged 18 to 30 a free, welcoming place to socialise, get creative, share ideas and build friendships every month through activities such as games and crafts.
Attendance has grown from five people at the first session to 21, with participants returning, forming friendships and reconnecting with their local library.
Find out more
For media enquiries, contact media@lga.sa.gov.au