National Science Week is all about sparking curiosity, inspiring learning, and celebrating the many ways science touches our everyday lives. This year, libraries across New South Wales rose to the challenge, transforming their spaces into imaginative science-themed displays that captured the wonder of discovery and engaged their local communities.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 NSW National Science Week Library Display Competition:
First Prize – Hawkesbury Library Services
Hawkesbury Library’s display was inspired by the idea of learning through play, using hands-on activities to make science fun and accessible for all ages. Common toys were showcased to demonstrate concepts like gravity and kinetic energy, while interactive experiments at the Richmond and Windsor branches encouraged exploration. The displays accessible allowing visiting disability groups, as well as older community members to joined in the fun.
From plasma balls to spinning wheels, the activities highlighted that play is a powerful tool for lifelong learning. Even the display builder discovered new passions, taking up electronics projects after enjoying the process of creating items like a Morse code set and a Tesla coil.
Second Prize – Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn
Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn, set out to create a display that was both fun and informative, sparking curiosity about science across the community. Using mostly recycled materials to promote sustainability, the team designed hands-on activities that children could touch and explore. The display became a feature of Storytime, toddler and baby sessions, as well as after-school programs. It not only encouraged learning but also brought families together to celebrate science in an engaging and playful way.
Runners-Up – Armidale War Memorial Library, Bayside Library, and Wingecarribee Public Library
These libraries were recognised for their wonderful efforts in bringing science to life for their communities. Each created vibrant and engaging displays that captured imaginations and invited people to connect with science in new ways.
Armidale War Memorial LibraryBayside LibraryWingecarribee Public Library
We had such a great time brainstorming ideas for the competition, and our community engaged so well with the displays. The library team are already brainstorming ideas for next year!
It’s always good to see different initiatives for the promotion of STEM!
Melissa Staeker: Wingecarribee Public Library
We had so much fun putting the display together and sharing it with the community.
We’ve had such a good response from all ages that we have decided to leave it up a little longer!
Sharon Legeret: Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn
The NSW Library Display Competition was a fun and creative way to celebrate National Science Week, showcasing the power of libraries as hubs of learning and community connection. Congratulations to all our winners and to every library that took part this year.
Your efforts made science shine across NSW and I’m excited to see what amazing display are crated in 2026.
Feature Image: Armidale War Memorial Library 2025 display
National Science Week is all about sparking curiosity, inspiring learning, and celebrating the many ways science touches our everyday lives. This year, libraries across New South Wales rose to the challenge, transforming their spaces into imaginative science-themed displays that captured the wonder of discovery and engaged their local communities.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 NSW National Science Week Library Display Competition:
First Prize – Hawkesbury Library Services
Hawkesbury Library’s display was inspired by the idea of learning through play, using hands-on activities to make science fun and accessible for all ages. Common toys were showcased to demonstrate concepts like gravity and kinetic energy, while interactive experiments at the Richmond and Windsor branches encouraged exploration. The displays accessible allowing visiting disability groups, as well as older community members to joined in the fun.
From plasma balls to spinning wheels, the activities highlighted that play is a powerful tool for lifelong learning. Even the display builder discovered new passions, taking up electronics projects after enjoying the process of creating items like a Morse code set and a Tesla coil.
Second Prize – Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn
Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn, set out to create a display that was both fun and informative, sparking curiosity about science across the community. Using mostly recycled materials to promote sustainability, the team designed hands-on activities that children could touch and explore. The display became a feature of Storytime, toddler and baby sessions, as well as after-school programs. It not only encouraged learning but also brought families together to celebrate science in an engaging and playful way.
Runners-Up – Armidale War Memorial Library, Bayside Library, and Wingecarribee Public Library
These libraries were recognised for their wonderful efforts in bringing science to life for their communities. Each created vibrant and engaging displays that captured imaginations and invited people to connect with science in new ways.
We had such a great time brainstorming ideas for the competition, and our community engaged so well with the displays. The library team are already brainstorming ideas for next year!
It’s always good to see different initiatives for the promotion of STEM!
Melissa Staeker: Wingecarribee Public Library
We had so much fun putting the display together and sharing it with the community.
We’ve had such a good response from all ages that we have decided to leave it up a little longer!
Sharon Legeret: Greg Percival Library, Ingleburn
The NSW Library Display Competition was a fun and creative way to celebrate National Science Week, showcasing the power of libraries as hubs of learning and community connection. Congratulations to all our winners and to every library that took part this year.
Your efforts made science shine across NSW and I’m excited to see what amazing display are crated in 2026.
Feature Image: Armidale War Memorial Library 2025 display
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