Have you ever wanted your very own library? Well now you can have one.
Street libraries are popping up on the streets of Australia, giving people the chance to browse, borrow or leave books without having to register for a library card.
There are no rules or requirements. Users can just collect or swap out a book from a registered street library.
Street Libraries are the creation of Nic Lowe, who saw his first street library in Portland around five years’ ago in a community garden. He said fell in love with how simple the concept was. “I thought this was something really worthwhile doing. Anyone can do it,” he told ABC. “That’s why I decided to start Street Libraries.”
There are around 35, 000 street libraries in the USA, but Australia only has 150 – “I think we can do a lot better than that,” says Lowe.
The libraries are a great way to recycle old books and potentially meet fellow booklovers.
Street Library intern Brittany Lam says the libraries are a great way to re-establish community, “It is a fantastic way to bring people together.”
For those keen to get involved, you can set up your own street library and register it outside your house. You can find out more by visiting the Street Library website.
Have you got a street library in your neighbourhood? Share your stories and photos with us.
