Council street library partnership targets future readers
Tuesday, 16 October 2018
Council will partner with Street Library Australia to fund the roll out of 10 new street libraries with a focus on free hosting opportunities for schools, childcare centre and preschools in the Inner West.
Street libraries are small structures that provide opportunities for neighbours and communities to share their pre-read or unwanted books with one another. The books are free and the community can choose to either return or keep the books.
Councillor Anna York, who moved the motion, said there are already many street libraries in parts of the Inner West that have been flourishing over the past few years.
“Around my area in Newtown, Enmore, Stanmore, and Marrickville, Street Libraries have been flourishing over the past few years, and they are well supported in our community,” Cr York said.
“But there are other parts of the Inner West that don’t yet have access to these little libraries, and I have been approached by members of our community wanting to know how Council can help.”
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said public nominations to host 10 new street libraries as a result of the new agreement with not-for-profit Street Libraries Australia will open on 16 October.
“By expanding the number of street libraries in the Inner West as a result of this new initiative to fully fund 10 new street libraries, we are sharing the joys of reading with others and building new community connections,” Cr Byrne said.
“We are keen to hear in particular from our future readers who would use one and decorate one if we set it up in their school, preschools and childcare centres.
“In addition, Council will support these new start-up street libraries in the inner west by donating up to 20 discarded library items per street library as a starting point if requested.
“We’ll also consider any offers from community organisations to build additional street libraries beyond these new ones that Council will purchase from Street Libraries Australia.”
Over the past few years, a number of street libraries have been installed across the Inner West following the success of the non-for-profit Street Library Australia movement whose staff provide building instructions for small library boxes, online resources and ongoing support.
Applications to be one of the 10 selected to host a free Street Library Australia supported street library in the Inner West local government area open on 16 October.
For more details and to apply, visit https://streetlibrary.org.au/live-innerwest-2-2-2-2-2
For further information, please contact Brendan Berecry on 9392 5218 or brendan.berecry@innerwest.nsw.gov.au