Public libraries have always been the heartbeat of our communities. They are vibrant, welcoming spaces that foster lifelong learning, bridge digital divides, and bring people of all backgrounds together. This August, NSW public libraries have an exciting new opportunity to level up that community engagement and showcase their creative flair through the NSW Libraries Science Display Contest!
In celebration of National Science Week (running from 15 to 23 August 2026), Inspiring Australia NSW has teamed up with Children’s Discovery to find the most creative, engaging, and inspiring science-themed library displays across New South Wales.
Whether your library is planning an elaborate interstellar exhibit, a deep-dive into ocean science, or a celebration of local biodiversity, this competition is the perfect excuse to get loud about science and have some fun.
What’s Up for Grabs?
Aside from ultimate bragging rights, Inspiring Australia NSW, Children’s Discovery, and CSIRO Publishing have put together three fantastic prize packages to help winners continue their STEM engagement:
First Prize: A $500 Children’s Discovery pack for your library.
Second Prize: A $250 CSIRO book pack plus an exclusive National Science Week Pack.
Third Prize: A National Science Week Pack (packed with merchandise like a t-shirt, keep-cup, hat, badges, and stickers).
Get a Head Start with a FREE Science Week Tube!
To help kickstart your decorating and event planning, Inspiring Australia NSW is giving away a FREE National Science Week Tube to the first 50 registered libraries.
Delivered by August 1st, this tube is packed with official posters, badges, and the handy ‘How to host a National Science Week program at your library’ guide. Even better, Children’s Discovery has thrown in extra resources, including a Tornado Tube, a graphic panel, and items perfect for a science-themed Storytime!
How to Enter
The competition is open exclusively to NSW public libraries. To enter, all you need to do is set up your science display, take some fantastic photos, and tell the judges how you used it to engage your local community. The ultimate goal is to raise the profile of science in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and, above all, fun!
Key Dates for Your Calendar:
Registrations Open: Monday, 1 June 2026
Registrations Close: Monday, 20 July 2026
Competition Closes: Friday, 28 August 2026
Winners Announced: Friday, 4 September 2026
Need Inspiration?
Take a page out of the books of previous participants! From Armidale Library’s interactive 2025 science activities to Ryde Library’s vibrant 2024 displays, libraries across the state have already proven that science and storytelling go hand-in-hand. Think about how you can incorporate hands-on elements, book recommendations, and interactive graphics to get your patrons talking.
Start brainstorming with your team, gather your crafting supplies, and get ready to register when doors open on June 1st. Let’s show NSW just how inspiring our libraries can be!
Public libraries have always been the heartbeat of our communities. They are vibrant, welcoming spaces that foster lifelong learning, bridge digital divides, and bring people of all backgrounds together. This August, NSW public libraries have an exciting new opportunity to level up that community engagement and showcase their creative flair through the NSW Libraries Science Display Contest!
In celebration of National Science Week (running from 15 to 23 August 2026), Inspiring Australia NSW has teamed up with Children’s Discovery to find the most creative, engaging, and inspiring science-themed library displays across New South Wales.
Whether your library is planning an elaborate interstellar exhibit, a deep-dive into ocean science, or a celebration of local biodiversity, this competition is the perfect excuse to get loud about science and have some fun.
What’s Up for Grabs?
Aside from ultimate bragging rights, Inspiring Australia NSW, Children’s Discovery, and CSIRO Publishing have put together three fantastic prize packages to help winners continue their STEM engagement:
Get a Head Start with a FREE Science Week Tube!
To help kickstart your decorating and event planning, Inspiring Australia NSW is giving away a FREE National Science Week Tube to the first 50 registered libraries.
Delivered by August 1st, this tube is packed with official posters, badges, and the handy ‘How to host a National Science Week program at your library’ guide. Even better, Children’s Discovery has thrown in extra resources, including a Tornado Tube, a graphic panel, and items perfect for a science-themed Storytime!
How to Enter
The competition is open exclusively to NSW public libraries. To enter, all you need to do is set up your science display, take some fantastic photos, and tell the judges how you used it to engage your local community. The ultimate goal is to raise the profile of science in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and, above all, fun!
Key Dates for Your Calendar:
Need Inspiration?
Take a page out of the books of previous participants! From Armidale Library’s interactive 2025 science activities to Ryde Library’s vibrant 2024 displays, libraries across the state have already proven that science and storytelling go hand-in-hand. Think about how you can incorporate hands-on elements, book recommendations, and interactive graphics to get your patrons talking.
Check out the winners from 2025 to get more inspiration!
Start brainstorming with your team, gather your crafting supplies, and get ready to register when doors open on June 1st. Let’s show NSW just how inspiring our libraries can be!
Feature Image: NSW Library Display competition 2025 finalists
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