The Lowdown on Street Libraries

If you’ve ever come across a Street Library – or “Little Library” – in your neighbourhood, you may have wondered what it’s all about. So, here’s a bit of info on how you and your family can get involved in this wonderful community initiative.

The Street Library movement officially began in Sydney in November 2015 as a free, easily-accessible way to encourage literacy and community. It has now grown to a network of more than 1500 across Australia, with more and more popping up.

So, how does it work?

The concept is simple – take a book, leave a book. You can either give the borrowed book back to the Street Library network or share it with a friend.

Anyone can have a Street Library in their front yard. All you have to do is either build or buy a “Little Library”, fill it with books then register your library on the Street Library website so others in the local area can make use of it. You may even find that others will have books they’d like to donate. Customising your library is a great way to get those creative juices flowing, and no doubt the kids will love getting involved too!

“Take a Book, Give a Book, Share a Book”

Here is a list of the Street Libraries currently registered in the Melville area:

Attadale
– La Petite Bibliothèque de Rue, 13 Campion Crescent

Myaree
– Books on Bolas, 11 Bolas Court
– Words on Widdicombe, 29 Widdicombe St

Palmyra
– Melville Cares Community Library, 21-23 Hammad Street

Melville
– 54a Coleman Crescent
– Little House on the McLean, 56 McLean St

Mount Pleasant
– The Book Nook, 43 Ogilvie Rd, (Cnr Rookwood St)

If you know of any others, or you’re thinking of setting up a new Street Library, join us in the Melville Mums Facebook group or leave a comment below.

To learn more about the initiative, or to register your interest in having your own Street Library, head to streetlibrary.org.au.

Author: Melville Mums