Celebrating Library Lovers Day

16 February 2026


February 14 is not just Valentine’s Day – it’s also national Library Lovers Day.

To celebrate we invited Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of Parliament and candidates to local libraries to witness the work of our amazing ASU members firsthand. 

These visits gave decision-makers the chance to hear directly from library workers about how their roles have significantly changed in recent years.

Library workers told MPs what members already know:
  • Libraries are no longer just about books.
  • Workers are increasingly helping people navigate Centrelink, Medicare, myGov, Services SA, Courts SA and banking portals filling gaps as other services move online or withdraw from communities.
  • Library staff are regularly supporting people experiencing housing stress, family violence, complex mental health issues and cost-of-living pressures. Their roles are now more akin to social workers.
  • Demand continues to rise, but funding and training have not kept pace.
     

Members spoke powerfully about the reality of delivering these services without the resources needed to keep staff safe, supported and properly trained.

We provided MPs with a clear briefing outlining what needs to change — including the need for fairer funding, social workers on site in libraires, and investment that reflects the frontline community services libraries are now delivering.

We will continue to push governments to recognise that libraries are critical community services and that workers deserve the funding and support to do this work safely and sustainably.

Thanks to all the Ministers, MPs and candidates who spent time with us for Library Lovers Day – including Minister for Local Government Joe Szakacs and Minister for Human Services Nat Cook.

And a big shout out to all our library members who spent time speaking to these key decision makers on behalf of your colleagues - your conversations will make all the difference in this campaign.

Want more information about the ASU’s push for fairer funding for local libraries?

You can read the McKell Institute’s report into the changing role of libraries here.