Parkes welcomes first Street Library

Daniel said he wanted to make a Street Library for Parkes after witnessing the success of one his parents made and installed outside their home in Sydney.

"People regularly stop to have a look what's in mum and dad's on their way to work," Daniel said.

"I thought it would be kind of cool for Parkes, it's available for anyone in the community to take books, leave good and interesting books that others may be interested in, and share the joy of reading a good story."

The concept of Street Library officially began in Sydney in November 2015 and has been rapidly growing and expanding ever since.

The average Street Library holds between 20 and 40 books.

The registered incorporated non for profit charity's motto is "Take a Book, Give a Book, Share a Book."

Founder Nic Lowe, who believes that books are the foundation of all knowledge, modelled the concept on Little Free Libraries in the US.

Daniel built and installed the Street Library outside the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Gap and Hill Streets.

"I cut up an old box, painted it and put 10 books in it to start with," Daniel said.

"One little girl described it as a doll house. I wanted it to look attractive and it was fun to build something useful. It's the first one in Parkes and is registered with Street Libraries Australia.

"They are spread throughout the country, I'm pretty sure there's more than 1000 now."

Daniel, a member of the Presbyterian Church, lives out of town so needed a home for the library.

"I ran the idea past Reverend Craig Bland and he was happy for me to install it at the Church," Daniel said.

"It's a good location, people regularly walk past and it's easily identified.

"Judging by the response, there has been a need in the community for it.

"It would be great to see other people start one, it's a good opportunity to share books."

You can find out more by visiting the website www.streetlibrary.org.au

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