Hornsby Shire Council has announced the winners of its recent Street Library ‘giveaway’, with 50 families living in Hornsby Shire soon to be given their own mini-library to place on their property.
Normally costing $300 each, the Street Libraries are cute ‘small build’ structures allowing the public to exchange books for free within their neighbourhood.
Hornsby Shire Council teamed up with the not-for-profit organisation ‘Street Library’ to distribute the little libraries free to residents in the Shire.
Initially, Council planned to give away only 20 of the libraries, but community interest was so strong, an additional 30 Street Library kits have been made available.
“People can simply reach into the Street Library and take what interests them – and when they are done, they return the books to the library, or pass them on to friends,” explained Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
“Street Libraries are ideal for community-minded folks who make excellent librarians, so the strength of the community’s interest in the little libraries has been very heartening.”
To qualify for a Street Library, applicants had to be residents of Hornsby Shire and be willing to locate the library on their property, ensure it was accessible to the public, maintain it and promote it among their neighbours.
Applicants had to answer the questions: ‘Why do you want a Street Library? What will you do with it? Who will use it and how will you promote the Street Library?’
When choosing the winners, Council preferred locations near amenities like schools, train stations, bus stops, parks, and other places with lots of local foot traffic.
The 50 new Street Libraries will soon begin appearing widely across Hornsby Shire, from Arcadia to Westleigh.
More populated suburbs such as Pennant Hills, Hornsby, Thornleigh and North Epping saw the most interest, with five or six Street Libraries going to each. But no matter where you live in Hornsby Shire, a Street Library is coming to a street near you!
Council has been in contact with successful candidates to let them know how, where and when to take delivery of their new street library.
Image – Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock with children at Street Library
