NSW Libraries

Public libraries across New South Wales serve as vital community hubs, offering free access to information, technology, and lifelong learning resources. They promote social inclusion, support digital and literacy skills, and provide safe, welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Some of their key contributions include:

1. Educational Support and Literacy Development
2. Digital Inclusion and Bridging the Digital Divide
3. Social Inclusion and Wellbeing
4. Cultural Preservation and Diversity
5. Health and Wellbeing
6. Environmental Impact

Public libraries in NSW receive millions of visits each year and lend out millions of books and other materials. Libraries also host thousands of free programs annually, attracting participants across all age groups.

There are different ways you can get your local community involved in National Science Week in August every year. Your participation can be as simple as a display in the library, or a whole a science fair

A National Science Week event should:

• be fun for the participants
• be focused on quality science outcomes
• encourage the participants to want to try more science
• raise the general profile of science within the community

Here are some ideas to get you started

Science Fair

• Invite local scientists or engineers to speak
• Have science displays from the local schools
• Highlight specific science books
• Have hands on activities

Quiz and Trivia

Run your own Trivia session. The National Science Week website has questions and games. The questions are arranged into ten themed sets of ten questions each. The questions and games are for adult audiences. Check out the Trivia section

After School Activities

• Host an afternoon STEM club with some of the DIY Science activities or Science Challenges.

Science Challenges

• Bridge Building Competition
  • The challenge is to build a bridge to span 40cm to carry a matchbox car using straws or uncooked spaghetti and tape.
• Build a Catapult
  • The challenge is to build a catapult that can send a ping pong ball or pom-pom the furthest using rubber bands and paddle pop sticks.

Try a theme

Every year there is a school theme for National Science Week that you can align your programs with. Otherwise, you could have a community competition to decide your theme

Public libraries are much more than places to borrow books—they are community hubs that promote equity, inclusion, learning, and wellbeing. Their value extends beyond measurable economic impacts to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities across NSW.

There are more great ideas to get you inspired on the National Science Week website.

Feature Image: Ryde Library National Science Week 2024