Ramsay Reid Fellowship

Applications are now open for the $20,000 Ramsay Reid Fellowship, an outstanding opportunity for Victorian public library employees with an inspiring vision for the future of public libraries.

Proudly supported by the Marion Orme Page bequest, the fellowship empowers emerging and aspiring library leaders to develop bold ideas, address community needs and contribute to the evolution of public libraries.

The 2027 Ramsay Reid Fellow will receive $20,000 in funding, as well as mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Victoria’s public libraries are vital community assets, providing free and universal access to resources that promote literacy, wellbeing, and social inclusion. For more than 30 years, recipients have elevated the role of public libraries, piloting innovative projects to make Victoria happier, healthier and smarter.

Applications close 5 June 2026.

Click here to submit your application.

For more information, contact PublicLibraries@slv.vic.gov.au.

About Margery C Ramsay and Barrett Reid

Margery C Ramsay

Margery C Ramsay was a trailblazer, a visionary and a driving force in the world of libraries. In the 1940s, she was the first qualified librarian appointed to a public library service in country Victoria and went on to transform Ballarat Library, joining it to of one of Victoria’s first regional library services. In the 1950s, Margery led municipal library services in Tasmania, returning to Victoria in the 1960s as Principal of the Library Training School. She served as State Library Victoria’s Deputy-Principal Librarian in 1969, and Principal Librarian from 1974-1981. More than just a name, Margery C Ramsay was an innovator and leader in public libraries.

Barrett Reid 

Barrett Reid AM was executive officer of the State Libraryʼs Public Libraries Divisions from 1967 to 1982. He was a strong advocate of public library services, and by the time he retired, 207 of Victoriaʼs 211 local councils provided library services. Barrettʼs influence was also seen in the Victorian Governmentʼs policy of joint-use libraries between local government and schools. Technilib, the cataloguing services agency, was another of his achievements. Barrett was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1983. As well as a librarian, Barrett Reid was a poet, editor and arts critic. 

Read about the recent recipients and their projects.