Street Libraries in the media

Recent Media Stories

From 30 to 4,500: How street libraries took off, reviving a love of books and spreading community spirit

Enjoy this Feel Good Read of the Day by the ABC Wide Bay's Grace Whiteside. In an age where screens and virtual technology reign supreme, communities across Australia have embraced street libraries and are reviving a love of "good old-fashioned" books. Source: From...

ChatGPT behind influx of AI-written books on Amazon | Digital Trends

Does this = end times? Wannabe novelists who don’t want to put in the time or effort to create their literary masterpiece are turning to ChatGPT for help. Source: ChatGPT behind influx of AI-written books on Amazon | Digital Trends

Julia Donaldson ends James Patterson’s reign as UK libraries’ most borrowed author

Sorry James. Heck, yes Julia! Data shows that Patterson’s 14-year run as readers’ overall favourite has given way to the Gruffalo author Source: Julia Donaldson ends James Patterson’s reign as UK libraries’ most borrowed author

A different kind of library branch – ABC Radio

Have you ever visited a wood library? Source: A different kind of library branch - ABC Radio

Kids are finding books hidden all over this town and ‘it’s a bit magical’, say parents

Literary treasure hunts are giving children both the thrill of finding a book and the benefits of reading. Source: Kids are finding books hidden all over this town and 'it's a bit magical', say parents

‘A very street library thing’: in praise of sharing books with strangers

"I don’t know any of these donors and they don’t know me. But we all know the street library. And that’s a very special thing." From chance encounters with neighbours to the 1970 Australian Women’s Weekly Cookbook, a weekly trip to the street library is a special kind...

Helsinki Built a Library That Brings a Whole City Together

Why do half of all Finnish citizens visit the library every month? The answer lies in Oodi Library, a blueprint for fostering human convergence. Source: Helsinki Built a Library That Brings a Whole City Together

How one school turned boys into happy book nerds

Reading is central to the learning of all students at Ashfield Boys' High.Source: AFR

The libraries of things bringing back neighbourhood sharing

Two new community initiatives offering the opportunity to borrow everything from chainsaws to party supplies are aiming to reduce waste and bring back the tradition of neighbourhood sharing. Source: The libraries of things bringing back neighbourhood sharing

SICS Radio – Community Value in Street Libraries

Street libraries offer communities an alternative and sustainable venue for finding and reusing books, supporting literacy at the ground (or street) level. In SICS Radio’s 3rd broadcast celebrating Social Sciences Week, we discuss how Social Science helps us...

Library exhibit shows ‘glimpse of humanity’ in lost items in books

Over a period of 10 years, a team of librarians has been collecting little items found in returned library books. There are now more 350 items which are being featured in a physical and online collection. Source: Library exhibit shows 'glimpse of humanity' in lost...

Double the Street Libraries

We were pretty thrilled to read in the Ballarat Courier recently that the Street Library population in Ballarat, VIC, has more than doubled since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. There aren’t many figures that have come with the pandemic that we welcome or...

Afghan women have opened a library to combat Taliban ruling

With many women forced out of work and girls unable to attend school under the Taliban, the library in Kabul hopes to assist them in gaining education. Source: Afghan women have opened a library to combat Taliban ruling

Street Libraries Front Page News in Blackall

Remember the wonderful women of the Blackall Country Women's Association (CWA)? These ladies have partnered with Street Library Australia to establish Libraries in the outback town of Blackall, in Queensland, along the banks of the Barcoo River. We're thrilled about a...

Edible exchanges springing up around the country – ABC Radio National

Vicky from Froggy Creek Street Library spreads the word about the benefits of a sharing economy, including Street Libraries. With the cost of living top of mind for many people, some are taking part in edible exchanges as a way to swap food with their neighbours. It's...

If you’ve ever lost a beloved book, this Tasmanian ‘book detective’ will help you find it

Toby Wools-Cobb uses investigative skills from his career as a librarian and the archaeological expertise from his studies in Egyptology to find copies of long-lost titles. Source: If you've ever lost a beloved book, this Tasmanian 'book detective' will help...

Big Weekend of Books – ABC Radio National

ABC RN's on-air writers' festival is back for its third year! The Big Weekend of Books is two jam-packed days of conversations with writers you love and others you're going to love, on August 6 and 7 on your radio, online and via the ABC listen app. Source: Big...

Sharing books with the Whittlesea community – The North Central Review

Whittlesea Community Garden unveiled its new Street Library earlier this month, bringing the community together in the sharing of books. Put together by the Whittlesea Men’s Shed and painted by the students of Whittlesea Secondary College, WSC, the idea was presented...

The world’s most wonderful libraries: the readers’ picks

Earlier this year, The Financial Times published its selection of member’s libraries around the globe. It promoted a flurry of responses regarding remarkable reading rooms. Here are some favourites… Source: The world’s most wonderful libraries: the readers’...

‘Stories take us on journeys’: Aussie actor opens up Milperra Street Library

Australian actor and author Bryan Brown shared his own experiences with books and reading at the opening of a community Street Library in Milperra. The library has been established by a passionate group of local volunteers, with support from the Men’s Shed and the...

Street library concept struggles to take hold in regional communities

Few street libraries are available in the region and could be due to lack of awareness and fear of detracting from established community libraries. Source: Street library concept struggles to take hold in regional communities

Sharing the Joy of Reading

Council’s book boxes to encourage reading

Six boxes will be installed across the municipality. Source: Council's book boxes to encourage reading

Books for all the street

Conversation Starter

Sharing a love of reading | Northern

Kalkallo resident Anna Navarro (pictured), has started a street library, to share her love of reading with the neighbourhood. Ms […] Source: Sharing a love of reading | Northern

Street Libraries connecting Real Agents with their communities

When LJ Hooker Avalon Beach real estate agent Danielle Forde decided to help her local café with a special project, she discovered a love of books that would connect her to her community in the most unique way. Source: Street Libraries connecting agents with their...