Are you a public or school library staff member with a story to tell and a way with words? With an all-star judging panel and fantastic prizes up for grabs, the Librarian Storyteller of the Year competition returns this year and we want you to enter! Launching in late September 2022, and with support from our public library sales partner and the children’s book community, we are encouraging all librarians and library staff from public and school libraries to submit their best.

Our exclusive public library partner James Bennett supports the Librarian Storyteller of the Year initiative, which aims to celebrate the achievements of librarians from Australia and New Zealand, and recognise their ongoing community services by maintaining connection with their local communities and encouraging continued engagement with children’s stories.

As we prepare for launch, get inspired by watching our Short Films about Librarian Storyteller of the Year below. Full prizes, judging panel and submission criteria to be announced soon. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date! 

Important dates to note

  • 9:00am, Friday 30 September: Submissions open
  • 11:59pm, Friday 28 October: Submissions close
  • Tuesday 15 November: Winner contacted
  • Friday 25 November: Winner announced

Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope launch Librarian Storyteller of the Year Award

Meet Frankie Jaiyeola, winner of Librarian Storyteller of the Year 2020

Our Librarian Storyteller of the Year Winner 2020 and State Library Queensland librarian, Frankie Jaiyeola, was invited to read stories for Story Box Library. Frankie talks about her experience in the 'storyteller' chair, and gives some words of encouragement to the storytellers across Australia and New Zealand who want to enter the competition in its next round! Read more in our Q&A with Frankie here.

Watch shortlisted submissions from 2020’s inaugural award

Find all Librarian Storyteller of the Year Short Films here.

Shortlist

Mashup #1

Mashup #2

Mashup #3

Join the Reading Challenge - We Love Libraries! 

Supporting libraries and library staff everywhere, and the important work they do in community building, creating inclusive spaces and getting people of all ages excited about reading and learning, we’ve developed a new Reading Challenge: We Love Libraries! Alongside our Librarian Storyteller of the Year initiative, Story Box Library is celebrating the magical power of storytelling and the people who facilitate that for readers young and old.