Street Libraries

Street libraries are a fun location for the public to recycle books. The concept is ‘take a book, leave a book or donate a book’. These tiny libraries can be simply a small box on a post, located on the boundary of a resident’s property. They are a great way to encourage literacy and share with others while creating a sense of community.
Of course, on Macleay Island, we are beginning to take it further by providing attractive street art.

The first installed on the island was Robbie’s Street Library at 17 Dalpura Street. It was built by her husband Ian and installed by his team mates of the Renegades Men’s Shed. It is #770 in Australia and was unveiled at a fun event on ‘Neighbour Day’ 25th March 2018,

The second installed on the island was the Revamps Street Library. This was built y the Renegades Men’s Shed for Suzanne Pike, with the beautiful finish work created by her. It is located at her Revamps Studio at 17 Francis Road and is #782 in Australia. It was unveiled at a Snapshots Launch on 1st November 2018 with local residents sharing interesting aspects of their lives. Revamps Studio is a delightful location to enjoy tea, coffee, cake and chocolate on a Saturday morning. There is a colourful directional sign located o the corner of Francis Road and Gregory Street.

Judy and Ray Pickering‘s street library was built and installed by The Renegades Men’s Shed at Bluewaters Crescent. It is a uniquely designed one, including an unusual frame, beautifully decorated compartment with a ‘Ginger Megs’ theme, a bench and a post with a pot plant on top.

Judy’s incredible artistic talents are a highlight of this library that will surely appeal to children whilst benefiting all residents of Perulpa Island.

The Curlew Cove Street library which was sponsored by Bay Island Early Learning and Care was built and installed by the Renegades Men’s Shed. The creative fun painting was carried out by the after school care children and those from the School of the Air and Sea.
It is located in Curlew Street and has been provided for the benefit of all in our island community.

The ‘Harry Potter’ themed street library is located at the entrance to the Community Library in Russell Terrace. It was sponsored by the Macleay Island Progress Association and built and installed by the Renegades Men’s Shed.
This street library joins the current network of six on Macleay Island that seeks to encourage sharing of books, a place to meet and a location where quality books donated can be added to the Community Library’s collection.
Children finding the artwork on this Street Library inviting may wish to also explore the Community library as quite a collection of books appealing to both younger children and young adults are available to borrow there.
Additionally, books borrowed online from Council’s full range can be collected from and returned to the Community Library.

The Renegades are grateful to the Friendly Bay Islander for their ongoing support.