By Nina Willingham
Kiama locals Sally Hurley and Michelle Springett are riding the street library trend, providing the wider community not only with a variety of physical novels but with a rather novel experience.
“People just absolutely just love it,” said Springett. “You don’t know who you’re gonna meet when they pull up and say hi.”
The library in a vintage Kelvinator Freezer has brought the street together.
“It’s really put Newing Circuit on the map,” said Springett, with people from all over coming through to take and donate books.
These small havens of literature help provide easily accessible books while fostering a sense of connection among neighbours.
“It’s great for the community, get those sorts of novels out there for the kids,” said Springett. “The good stuff is hearing the kid’s excitement … there’s a whole bunch of kids down this end of the street who come up and bring their little bag and fill it up.”
It hasn’t been without its controversy.
“We copped it on Facebook pretty bad,” she said, as people expressed their concern about kids getting stuck in the freezer. But “not even a three-year-old could fit in there, let alone close the door … even when it’s empty.”
Which, fortunately it never is, as Hurley, an avid reader and dedicated street librarian, is consistently re-stocking and refreshing the freezer
“She’s dedicated to it … she’s out there every two to three weeks,” said Springett.
Street libraries rely on the local communities embracing them, leaving their own favourite reads. So, take a stroll to your local street library to discover an insight into your neighbours’ world.
As Springett said: “It doesn’t have to be returned. Just take, bring it back if you want to.”
You can search for and discover your local Street Library here.
Featured image: The Freezer Street Library riding the property line. Photo: Nina Willingham
