After last year’s success, the Libraries Writing Competition returns, bigger and better! This year features a new high school category, an increased word limit, and special guest judge Catherine Rains, author of The Sheepdog Who Was Afraid of Sheep.
Young storytellers are invited to create an original short story inspired by a key phrase, released at 10am on Monday 20 April 2026. Include the key phrase and submit by Friday 12 June 2026.
Tips from our judge
Think colourful words, exciting characters, and a story we’ve never read before! Hook readers with a strong start and finish, show the world through your character’s eyes, keep characters believable, and make the story engaging with surprises, humour, mystery, or action.
Guidelines
- Maximum 1000 words
- Must include the key phrase
- Entries judged in three age groups: Infants 6–8, Primary 9–13, High School 14–18
Fantastic prizes await winners and runners-up, while honourable mentions receive a certificate.
Entry & Dates
- Opens: 20 April 2026 | Closes: 12 June 2026
- Entry forms available at Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tumut Libraries, outreach services (Adelong, Talbingo), the mobile library (Jingellic, Khancoban, Tooma), or online from 20 April: www.svc.nsw.gov.au/events
Winners will be announced during Library and Information Week (27 July – 2 August 2026), celebrating libraries’ role in literacy and learning.