Thursday, November 28, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

A Good Read Good Deed

Who doesn’t adore a nice little street library? If you haven’t heard of this heartwarming community concept, street libraries stand as beautiful homes for books, to invite neighbours and members of the community to share the joys of reading with one another! A popular phenomenon during COVID-19 isolation periods, street libraries began popping up around local streets and parks to keep people connected and reading - a wonderful habit with a world of benefits. Locals are able to leave a book they may no longer need in the library for others to take, and pick up a new one to love. Many often return books they have found from one library to another, creating a perfect cycle of new reading material for others to read.

Street libraries can be found outside businesses, along footpaths and in people’s front yards, and recently, one sprouted outside the Proserpine Massage Clinic inside the Dieke Arcade! A fantastic community initiative started by Shelley Macpherson, locals are invited to pop down, have a browse and donate any unwanted novels to the quaint little set up for others to enjoy.

You too can become a street librarian by visiting Street Library Australia’s website, https://streetlibrary.org.au. Learn more about this initiative and purchase a ‘build it yourself kit’ or even ‘ready-made sheds’ to plant in your front garden!

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