Following the success of this year’s ACU Book of the Year, we are delighted to announce this year’s shortlist.
The judging panel is Emeritus Professor Margot Hillel OAM, Professor Dermot Nestor and Fides Datu Lawton.
The book will address important cultural and social themes that are relevant for students and the wider world: the theme for this year is 'Generosity'.
The Book of the Year initiative would bring to the fore the value of reading fiction as a means to develop empathy, engage with the world and forge community. Emeritus Professor Hillel said "reading fiction gives you an idea of the way other people think. It broadens your horizons and makes you aware of the individual worth of every person, which is very much aligned with ACU’s mission." This is perhaps particularly important in this Covid-19 year when, more than ever, we need to be generous and empathetic.
The Book of the Year 'winner' will be announced on 19 September and the University will then approach the publisher and arrange for students to receive copies of the book.
The shortlist will be displayed in all campus libraries.
Happy reading!
This year’s shortlist is:
Bear Town by Fredrick Backman
The Bookshop of the Broken-Hearted by Robert Hillman
Miss Boston and Miss Hargreaves by Rachel Malik
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
The Storied Life of A.K. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Our free workshops for researchers continue, with September bringing a focus on navigating research data with clarity, confidence and respect.
Our library is getting a refresh! Stage 1 building works start on Level 2, Wednesday 19 August 2026.
The library is running a free online workshop to help you improve your Copilot prompts.
We're showcasing how ACU's Higher Degree by Research students are 'Made for More' this Mission Week.
As a long time ACU student, I’ve always used the library’s resources. Here are my top tips for first year students just getting started.
We've been working behind the scenes to make Library Search faster, smarter and easier to use, and we're excited to share what's new.
Whether you're just starting your ACU journey or have returned for another semester, we're here to help.
The library's Research Essentials classes are back for semester 2 and open for registrations.
New to ACU this semester? Welcome! Play our online orientation game to learn about the library and go in the lucky draw to receive a Kobo Libra Colour eReader.
For NAIDOC Week 2026, we invite you to explore 50 years of First Nations voices through our collections.
Major building works are taking place from August 2026 to March 2027. Stay tuned for updates.
Exams are done, assessments are in and the weather is rubbish. It's the perfect time to curl up with a classic novel!
With exams just around the corner, your campus library is a great place to help you manage study stress.
Are you a postgraduate or academic scholar with an interest in historical children's literature? Explore ACU's fellowship opportunity for 2026.
Explore resources that help you learn through a reconciliation lens.
Take time to reflect and make a visible pledge to reconciliation.
No one can study on an empty stomach. ACU Library has you covered while you prepare for exams. Come and grab a little treat on us from 1 to 19 June.
Go 'All In' for National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June 2026.
Research Essentials has wrapped up for the semester, but you can still access recordings of all our sessions through the training hub.
Did you know the library is open on weekends and after hours?
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