Do you love your local library?
There’s a pretty good reason to celebrate them right now!
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries, recognising the people, projects and services doing great things across South Australia’s public library network.
The award is all about celebrating the fresh ideas and innovations happening in SA libraries and the important role libraries play in our communities every day.
And when you think about just how much our libraries do, there’s plenty to celebrate. South Australia’s 140 public libraries collectively lend more than 11.5 million items and deliver more than 64,000 programs each year, with almost half a million members across the state.
From helping kids discover a love of reading to providing access to technology, supporting people looking for work and connecting communities through programs and activities, libraries are about so much more than books.
The award is named in honour of Jim Crawford, former Chair of the Libraries Board of South Australia, who played an important role in establishing the statewide public library network we know and love today.
The successful library will receive a $10,000 cash prize, which can be used to:
- develop or upgrade library services
- provide professional development for library staff
- expand or build on an existing innovation
- purchase library materials
LGA South Australia CEO Victoria MacKirdy says the organisation wants to hear about the “bold ideas, inspiring people and practical innovations” helping South Australian residents.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone working for a South Australian public library and then once finalists have been selected, South Australians will be invited to take part in a People’s Choice Vote, choosing the library innovation they believe has made the greatest contribution to its community.
Applications will close on Monday 12 October. Finalists will be put to a People’s Choice Vote, giving South Australians the opportunity to vote for the library innovation they believe has made the greatest contribution to its community.
More information on how to vote for your favourite library to come.
For more information visit www.lga.sa.gov.au
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