12 September 2025
Booragoon Primary School library officer Brooke Donabie has been acknowledged at this year’s Library Board Awards, named the winner of the 2024 F A Sharr Award.
The F A Sharr Award is presented to a Western Australian librarian, teacher librarian or library technician who is within their first four years following graduation and who exhibits the most potential to make a significant contribution to the library profession.
Library officer Brooke Donabie and Elena Smirnova ALIAWest Committee Member. Photo supplied by the State Library of Western Australia.
Ms Donabie was recognised for her dedication in encouraging reading to students of all ages and making the library a safe space for everyone.
She said she was overwhelmed to win the award and it’s been exciting to see the awards generate so much positive discussion around primary school libraries.
“I underestimated how impactful it (the award) would be,” she said.
“Since winning, I’ve been invited to speak at a number of events, including ALIA West’s ‘Connect, Create, Collaborate’ at the State Library, and I’ve joined the ALIA West Committee, which will hopefully allow me to champion school libraries amongst industry decision makers.”
With more than 400 students at the school, Ms Donabie’s main goal as librarian is to make students feel like they belong in the library.
“A child who feels welcome in their school library hopefully becomes an adult who feels welcome in any academic or public library,” she said.
“We read over 200 books throughout the year during our library time. Each year group is introduced to a diverse range of authors throughout the year, as well as award-winning books.
“Students also learn skills in information and digital literacy and research.”
Ms Donabie is a big fan of Book Week and dresses up for the occasion.
During the library award ceremony, Ms Donabie gave a presentation about the important role graphic novels play in engaging young readers and reversing the decline in student literacy outcomes.
“I’m passionate about graphic novels because they can reignite a love of reading at a time when literacy is slipping,” she said.
“We're all committed to improving NAPLAN results and encouraging a love of reading is one great way to address this.”
Ms Donabie said that graphic novels promote literacy, enhance critical thinking, carry artistic and literary merit, explore diversity and tackle complex social issues in an accessible way.
“I want the library to be a positive, fun space where reading feels exciting. Book Week is chaotic, hilarious and joyful, and borrowing has risen 30% in the last four years which is proof that it’s working,” she said.
Read more about the Australia Library Information Association here.
Learn more about the winners of the 2025 Library Board Awards here.