Street Library Australia is calling on the entire Street Library community to congratulate those who made submissions for the 2022 Street Library of the Year. This years’ submissions were a delightful mix of old hands, newbies, individuals and organisations; all of whom make Street Library a generous, caring and joyous community. Thank you!
Special thanks to our Author Judge, Holly Throsby, who made the final selection from a shortlist curated by a crack team of volunteers, all of whom deserve our gratitude also.
We are thrilled to reveal that the winner of the 2022 Street Library of the Year award goes to the Kicking It At Kingston Library, QLD.
Holly Throsby says: “This library is a wonderful representation of community spirit – in both the community-minded intention behind its creation, and the way the library has been embraced and expanded by the community itself. The concept of ‘library’ has been broadened to include not just books, but clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, and household items.”
She continues: “The library structure is colourful and welcoming, and made from repurposed materials. The library – along with the associated community vegetable gardens, the ‘hidden swap rock area’, the online Facebook group, and the fact that the site has become a community hub – has helped to refresh and revitalise this sometimes-maligned area with the intrinsic benefits of what Angela calls a ‘gifting economy’. I commend the efforts of Angela, and the diverse locals of Logan who contribute to this awesome Street Library.”
Here, here! Angela will receive a Street Library gift pack that includes a very special Street Library of the Year plaque, plus a copy of Holly’s latest novel Clarke.
In an unprecedented move, we are also sending out a special Honorable Mention to the much-loved Mr. Gilbert Street Library (NSW). The show of community support for this library demonstrated the impact of Street Librarian Leanne’s efforts, and we congratulate her and thank her for her work.
“This library has been an incredible source of community rallying and support,” says Holly. “I congratulate Leanne on her amazing work and wish her and her family the very best in their next chapter.”
Street Library Australia’s General Manager, Mel Lake, wishes to extend her gratitude to the community.
“Combing through submissions for the 2022 Street Library of the Year has been pure joy,” she says. “This award is a celebration of community, sharing, literacy and all of our wonderful librarians.”
“Every Street Library is uniquely precious, and we look forward to sharing some of your wonderful and inspiring stories in the coming weeks and months.”
The staff and volunteers of Street Library Australia wish all those in the community a safe and joyous holiday period. Happy reading!
