This library brings together the common purpose of Rotary and Picabeen – serving the community. Sitting at the entrance of the Picabeen Community Centre the street library offers an opportunity for those who use the centre to find a common interest through reading. At the same time it offers passing local members of the community the opportunity to rediscover the joy of reading and sharing their favourite authors.
The centre sits at the entrance of a busy walkway and we hope that those who routinely pass by will make regular use of it and perhaps become more aware of the Community Centre itself.
Mitchelton Rotary Club (https://mitcheltonrotaryclub.org.au) agreed that building and sponsoring some street libraries would be an ideal way to remain connected with the local community during the difficult years that were 2020 and 2021. The first of four libraries (the Laurel St library ( https://streetlibrary.org.au/library/laurel-st-library/)), has been successfully operating since the beginning of 2021.
The building materials for the four libraries were donated by local hardware stores (Doyles and Bunnings); the library construction was completed by the Ferny Grove Men’s Shed (in between other projects) and the paint was donated by Rotary Club members. This second library was painted by one of the centre’s volunteers in the centre’s brand colours of blue and green. This Centre (https://www.facebook.com/Picabeen/) has been serving the community in various capacities for over thirty years and today is a multi service hub that promotes social cohesion and community engagement. The little library will add even more value to this critical community asset.
