Science is heading to the heart of our communities this National Science Week. We are thrilled to announce the 19 successful recipients of the Inspiring Australia NSW National Science Week Library Grants for 2026.
Public libraries are more than just homes for books; they are vibrant hubs of discovery and lifelong learning. This year, the grant program is supporting a diverse range of projects; from 3D printing and robotics to Indigenous engineering and marine biology. These programs designed to engage, educate and inspire residents across the state.
Find out about the innovative programs coming to libraries across NSW during National Science Week (15–23 August 2026)
Batemans Bay Library: Science Week Open Day
In partnership with the University of Wollongong, this Open Day will feature science stalls, interactive workshops. The day wraps up with a science show that explores the wonders of physics and chemistry.
Bega Valley Shire Libraries: Plotting the Oceans: Maps, Science and the Sea
Bega Valley will host Associate Professor Sarah Hamylton for an author talk on her 2026 book. The session will explore the history of ocean mapping and coral reef research, offering a unique look at how we visualise the deep sea.
Burwood Library: 3D Print a Carnivorous Plant Planter
Children will learn about the ecology of Australian carnivorous plants before using Tinkercad to design and 3D print their own custom planters. Every participant will take home their creation along with a live Venus Flytrap or Sundew.
Clarence Regional Library: STEM-tastic Storytime
Taking science on the road, this project brings specialised STEM Storytime sessions to the Maclean, Iluka, Yamba, and Grafton branches. Using interactive storytelling and hands-on STEM kits, the library will introduce early learners to engineering and technology.
Georges River Council: Play and Explore
Hurstville Library will host a Saturday of science featuring succulent planting, talks on Indigenous bush medicine by local Elders, 3D printing workshops with the Tinkery, and a collaborative VR “Garden Scape” experience.
Harbord Community Library: Explore the World of Boomerangs
Working with the Aboriginal Heritage Office, this library will host presentations on the physics and history of boomerangs. Sessions include artifact displays and hands-on workshops where children can decorate boomerangs with traditional dot painting.
Lismore City Council: Rainforest to River Citizen Science
Lismore Library will host workshops focused on waterway health. Participants will become citizen scientists for a day, identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates ‘water bugs‘ to assess the health of local river ecosystems.
Murray River Council: Science in Everyday Life
This weeklong program proves science is everywhere; from “Science in the Kitchen” chemistry experiments to “Eco Science” stations exploring soil health and water testing for all ages.
This project invites rural families to explore sustainable agriculture through LEGO. Participants will face design challenges, building complex farm systems to learn how technology can help manage food production and environment health.
Nambucca Valley Council Libraries: Remarkable Adaptations
Featuring a presentation by The Wildlife Twin, this program brings live reptiles and dingoes to the library courtyard to highlight the incredible evolutionary adaptations that allow Australian animals to thrive in harsh environments.
Parkes Library and Cultural Centre: The Big Think
Parkes will open its Marramarra Makerspace for live demonstrations of laser cutters, robotics, and 3D printers. The program also features “The Big Think” VR experience and specialised workshops for budding young scientists.
Shellharbour City Libraries: Planetarium @ Shellharbour City Library
Shellharbour will host the University of Wollongong’s portable Planetarium. This immersive, dome-based experience will take families on a high-definition journey through the solar system, bringing the mysteries of space to local residents.
Shoalhaven City Council: Bird Watching Kits
The library is launching new “Family Birdwatching Kits” containing binoculars and field guides. The launch includes guest speakers from BirdLife Shoalhaven who will teach the community how to record bird sightings for national citizen science databases.
Libraries in Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne will host a suite of STEAM crafting activities. The week includes a regional science competition where participants can win prizes while testing their scientific knowledge.
Tenterfield Public Library: A Symphony of Stories and Science Exploration
Targeting the northern NSW border community, Tenterfield will blend literacy with science. Through storytelling, interactive displays and experiments the programs is designed to make STEM accessible to rural families.
Wagga Wagga City Library: STEM: Changing our World
In partnership with The Brainary, this project delivers workshops on the future of innovation. The program focuses on two key areas: sustainable architecture and the increasing use of robotics in agriculture.
Waverley Library: Citizen Science
Waverley Library will feature a “Citizen Science” theme with giant science crosswords, digital data displays of coastal biodiversity, a “Scienema” screening of the documentary 2040 and the installation of a permanent LEGO Wall.
Wingecarribee Shire Council: Big Science Big Fun Show
Bowral Memorial Hall will host this large-scale science show. Utilising professional lighting and sound, the event will feature high-energy demonstrations designed to spark a love for physics and chemistry in young children.
Yass Valley Library: Seeds of Curiosity
This program focuses on the science of growth, activities include:
Orbeez Propagation workshop where participants learn to grow plant cuttings in water beads.
Wildlife Reimagined exploring the ecological relationships between insects and plant life, highlighting both local and predatory species.
Storytime sessions focused on botany.
The National Science Week Library Grants are supported by Inspiring Australia NSW. We invite you to visit your local library from 15–23 August 2026 to join the celebration. Stay tuned to your local library’s website for specific event times and registration details!
Feature Image: Ryde Library 2024, UNE Discovery 2024, Rhodes Science Fair 2025, Lake Macquarie 2025
Science is heading to the heart of our communities this National Science Week. We are thrilled to announce the 19 successful recipients of the Inspiring Australia NSW National Science Week Library Grants for 2026.
Public libraries are more than just homes for books; they are vibrant hubs of discovery and lifelong learning. This year, the grant program is supporting a diverse range of projects; from 3D printing and robotics to Indigenous engineering and marine biology. These programs designed to engage, educate and inspire residents across the state.
Find out about the innovative programs coming to libraries across NSW during National Science Week (15–23 August 2026)
Batemans Bay Library: Science Week Open Day
In partnership with the University of Wollongong, this Open Day will feature science stalls, interactive workshops. The day wraps up with a science show that explores the wonders of physics and chemistry.
Bega Valley Shire Libraries: Plotting the Oceans: Maps, Science and the Sea
Bega Valley will host Associate Professor Sarah Hamylton for an author talk on her 2026 book. The session will explore the history of ocean mapping and coral reef research, offering a unique look at how we visualise the deep sea.
Burwood Library: 3D Print a Carnivorous Plant Planter
Children will learn about the ecology of Australian carnivorous plants before using Tinkercad to design and 3D print their own custom planters. Every participant will take home their creation along with a live Venus Flytrap or Sundew.
Clarence Regional Library: STEM-tastic Storytime
Taking science on the road, this project brings specialised STEM Storytime sessions to the Maclean, Iluka, Yamba, and Grafton branches. Using interactive storytelling and hands-on STEM kits, the library will introduce early learners to engineering and technology.
Georges River Council: Play and Explore
Hurstville Library will host a Saturday of science featuring succulent planting, talks on Indigenous bush medicine by local Elders, 3D printing workshops with the Tinkery, and a collaborative VR “Garden Scape” experience.
Harbord Community Library: Explore the World of Boomerangs
Working with the Aboriginal Heritage Office, this library will host presentations on the physics and history of boomerangs. Sessions include artifact displays and hands-on workshops where children can decorate boomerangs with traditional dot painting.
Lismore City Council: Rainforest to River Citizen Science
Lismore Library will host workshops focused on waterway health. Participants will become citizen scientists for a day, identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates ‘water bugs‘ to assess the health of local river ecosystems.
Murray River Council: Science in Everyday Life
This weeklong program proves science is everywhere; from “Science in the Kitchen” chemistry experiments to “Eco Science” stations exploring soil health and water testing for all ages.
Murrurundi Library: Growing Ideas: LEGO Sustainable Farm Lab
This project invites rural families to explore sustainable agriculture through LEGO. Participants will face design challenges, building complex farm systems to learn how technology can help manage food production and environment health.
Nambucca Valley Council Libraries: Remarkable Adaptations
Featuring a presentation by The Wildlife Twin, this program brings live reptiles and dingoes to the library courtyard to highlight the incredible evolutionary adaptations that allow Australian animals to thrive in harsh environments.
Parkes Library and Cultural Centre: The Big Think
Parkes will open its Marramarra Makerspace for live demonstrations of laser cutters, robotics, and 3D printers. The program also features “The Big Think” VR experience and specialised workshops for budding young scientists.
Shellharbour City Libraries: Planetarium @ Shellharbour City Library
Shellharbour will host the University of Wollongong’s portable Planetarium. This immersive, dome-based experience will take families on a high-definition journey through the solar system, bringing the mysteries of space to local residents.
Shoalhaven City Council: Bird Watching Kits
The library is launching new “Family Birdwatching Kits” containing binoculars and field guides. The launch includes guest speakers from BirdLife Shoalhaven who will teach the community how to record bird sightings for national citizen science databases.
Snowy Monaro Regional Library: Interactive STEAM Crafting Sessions
Libraries in Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne will host a suite of STEAM crafting activities. The week includes a regional science competition where participants can win prizes while testing their scientific knowledge.
Tenterfield Public Library: A Symphony of Stories and Science Exploration
Targeting the northern NSW border community, Tenterfield will blend literacy with science. Through storytelling, interactive displays and experiments the programs is designed to make STEM accessible to rural families.
Wagga Wagga City Library: STEM: Changing our World
In partnership with The Brainary, this project delivers workshops on the future of innovation. The program focuses on two key areas: sustainable architecture and the increasing use of robotics in agriculture.
Waverley Library: Citizen Science
Waverley Library will feature a “Citizen Science” theme with giant science crosswords, digital data displays of coastal biodiversity, a “Scienema” screening of the documentary 2040 and the installation of a permanent LEGO Wall.
Wingecarribee Shire Council: Big Science Big Fun Show
Bowral Memorial Hall will host this large-scale science show. Utilising professional lighting and sound, the event will feature high-energy demonstrations designed to spark a love for physics and chemistry in young children.
Yass Valley Library: Seeds of Curiosity
This program focuses on the science of growth, activities include:
Feature Image: Ryde Library 2024, UNE Discovery 2024, Rhodes Science Fair 2025, Lake Macquarie 2025
Share this: