Northern Beaches Council is working to provide books for children and their parents through ‘Street Libraries’ at all of Council’s child care centres.

Mayor Michael Regan said Street Libraries were a great initiative, giving everyone the opportunity to benefit from reading books.

“Street libraries are popping up around Australia inviting adults and children alike to reach in and take a book.

“Books can be passed onto a friend or returned and families can share the books they have loved but no longer need.” Mayor Regan said

Brookvale Children’s Centre will soon get a Street Library, built by The Forest Community Men's Shed.

“We plan to have the Men’s Shed build one for each of Council’s child care centres, and then have children decorate them. This way, the whole community gets involved,” Mayor Regan said.

Council’s Libraries have also supported the initiative by donating books no longer in circulation to the street libraries.

“Educators and librarians are happy to be part of the movement and enthusiastic about this new way to build a literacy rich community across the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.

There are an estimated 791 registered Street Libraries across Australia, promoted as ‘tiny vestibules of literary happiness’ by the charity organisation, Street Library Australia, which registers and tracks them.