Street libraries are community-led initiatives, which spread the joy of reading with visitors and locals alike. If you have ever wondered what they were, or wondered how to start one, here’s the scoop!
Over the past few years, a growing number of Street Libraries have been popping up across Randwick City. Affixed to brick walls, standing on posts, tied to front gates, their brightly painted exterior inviting passers-by to pause on their journey and peruse the harlequin collection of books housed within.
Local street librarian Lisa McCutchion takes great joy in curating her street library on St Marks Road, Randwick. Lisa’s library is yellow, with the word ‘hello’ painted in cursive across its roof. Lisa sings out with a similarly cheerful greeting as she opens the hinged door of her street library to restock the shelf. Bathed in sunlight and easily noticed on the corner of the street, it is hard not to take note of the treasures Lisa has left for us to find.
Lisa, like many others, began her Street Library as a lockdown project, but has since really loved becoming a local street librarian. “I think some people become librarians because they love people, and some do it because they love books. One of the perks of being a street librarian is having access to an endlessly renewing source of fresh books,” she shared.
“I once had two Booker Prize winners, the latest Jane Harper and a Harry Potter in the library – I call that being visited by the book gods!”
Lisa joked that once your friends and family know you’ve started a library, you will become a magnet for all their spare books, but mostly the contents come from neighbours and locals.
“Street libraries are a collective effort, constantly being replenished by the generosity of local readers. New books arrive every day, and most libraries sustain themselves that way.”
When asked about what it’s like when people come to visit her Street Library, she explained that often people don’t understand how it works, almost like it’s too good to be true. If people look confused, she just reassures them, it’s okay, the books are free, take a book, swap a book, it’s all good! Mostly, she likes to give people their space, everyone likes to read different things and it can feel like a really private and personal moment that she doesn’t want to interrupt.
“Street libraries are magnetic and a bit magical. You can’t help but be drawn to them.” Lisa smiled.
The pure magic of reading and the promise of a new book to discover is particularly felt at Street Libraries dedicated to children. One such Street Library sits out front of the La Perouse Public School.
“Street libraries are magnetic and a bit magical. You can’t help but be drawn to them.”
Principal, Lisa Haller, peered into the shelf and rearranged some of the picture books as the children were in classes. “Oh good, there’s not too many on the shelf!” she exclaimed, “That means the kids have been in here.”
There are two Street Libraries at the school that sit side-by-side, one for adults and one for children. They were installed by the Randwick Soroptimist Club who also keep the library stocked as needed. The small library is a community project, built by Carrs Park Men’s Shed, installed by a volunteer from Windgap and illustrated by Soroptimist Club member Marcia Shepherd.
Street libraries are undoubtedly a special part of the community. There are many located throughout Randwick City. If you want to go on a book hunt, check out all the local ones registered on the Street Library website. If you have one, start one or find one – share a photo on socials and tag Randwick Council.
Top tips to start your own library:
- Make sure it’s noticeable and accessible from the street.
- If you purchase the kit from Street Library Australia, register it on the Street Library website so people can look it up and more people can know about it.
- You can also make your own – just make sure it’s fairly weatherproof. It helps to have a door on the front to protect the books.
- Replenish the shelf, keep it looking stocked but not fit-tobursting. If the library is too full, people tend to feel overwhelmed.
- Cycle the books so the shelf always looks fresh! If you notice one isn’t moving, bring it inside and give a different book a chance.
- You can source books from your own shelf, from family and friends, and from the annual Bowen Library book sale.
- Give people space to browse, choosing a book can be a really personal thing.
- Occasionally put a new release on the shelf – you’ll know you’ve made someone’s day!
Let us know where your favourite street library is located by using this Video/Photo upload link. Upload your video or photo here
read more about street libraries on www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/
