Vote for the 2026 Jim Crawford Award winner
We're proud to introduce the finalists for our 2026 Jim Crawford Award. They demonstrate innovative and inspiring services and projects being delivered through South Australia's public libraries.
This year, we're calling on South Aussies to vote for their favourite library. Our public libraries play a key role in supporting South Australians every day. Now it's our turn to show them some love.
How to vote
To vote, read about each project below, decide who deserves to win and submit your vote. It's that simple!
Voting closes 11:59 pm on Sunday 15 November.
Your finalists for 2026
Reimagining libraries at Ngutungka (City of Charles Sturt)
More than a library – a place to connect, learn and belong
Ngutungka West Lakes and Ngutungka Henley are reimagining what a public library can be. Bringing library services and community development together, these welcoming spaces connect people through books, programs, shared meals, creative activities and local initiatives.
Since opening in 2022, Ngutungka West Lakes and, more recently, Ngutungka Henley have helped drive a 56% increase in library visits across the City of Charles Sturt’s library service.
By embedding community development into everyday library life, Ngutungka is helping people discover new opportunities, build relationships and feel part of their community.
Judges’ comments: The judges praised Ngutungka’s innovative operating model, which brings together diverse services and embeds community development into everyday library practice.
Early learning support for families (Light Regional Council)
Giving every child a brighter start through books, learning and connection
An innovative council-led program – Building Early Engagement and Support (BEES) – is helping 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.
Designed to be accessible to everyone, the program has already enrolled 130 children and families – 87% of its estimated target cohort. The service also supports access to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a free book gifting program for children.
By making early literacy and family support part of everyday library services, BEES is helping children develop a love of reading, supporting parents and carers, and creating stronger connections across the community.
Judges’ comments: The judges valued BEES’ focus on giving children the best possible start from birth, its use of developmental data to shape the initiative, and its success in encouraging ongoing library engagement.
Social Work in Libraries (City of Adelaide and City of Salisbury)
Bringing specialist support into the heart of the community
Public libraries are often a first point of connection for people experiencing vulnerability, but library staff can’t be expected to manage complex social needs alone.
The Social Work in Libraries initiative brings professional social workers into libraries to support vulnerable community members, connect people with appropriate services and help staff respond confidently to challenging situations.
Through two complementary models, the City of Adelaide and City of Salisbury are improving access to support in trusted, welcoming spaces. By sharing their experiences and independently evaluating their approaches, the councils are building a model that could help libraries across South Australia better support their communities.
Judges comments: The judges recognised this fresh, research-based approach to supporting vulnerable community members, highlighting its thorough implementation and potential to be adopted by other libraries.
Library After Dark for young adults (City of Onkaparinga)
A place to find your people, make connections and feel you belong
Library After Dark is opening library doors to young adults aged 18 to 30, offering a free, welcoming space to socialise, get creative and build friendships. Held monthly after hours, the program lets participants join in their own way – whether that’s playing games, trying craft activities, sharing ideas or simply spending time with others.
Attendance has grown from five people at the first session to 21, with participants returning, forming friendships and reconnecting with their local library.
By creating a relaxed, inclusive space shaped by young adults themselves, the City of Onkaparinga is showing how libraries can help tackle social isolation and build stronger community connections.
Judges comments: The judges praised the targeted approach to supporting 18 to 30-year-olds who may fall between youth and adult programs, noting the clear value of the initiative demonstrated through participant testimonials.
Want to learn more?
Reach out if you'd like to find out more about any of these initiatives.
LGA South Australia
Email: lgasa@lga.sa.gov.au