Little Street Libraries
What are Little Street Libraries?
Little Street Libraries are free book swaps located in streets and public spaces.
They are filled with books, accessible from the street so that anyone can stop by, take or drop off a book.
You don’t need to share a book to take a book, and anyone can add to the little library at any time.
Campbelltown Council values and supports Little Street Libraries in our community as they contribute to building stronger, more vibrant and connected communities and neighbourhoods.
Installing Little Street Libraries
On Your Own Land
Locating a Little Street Library on your own private land is preferred as it means you can get started faster. You don’t need approval or permission from anyone. You have greater control and it is more likely to be looked after better.
It is recommended that you have Public Liability insurance to cover your Little Street Library.
On Your Street Verge
Installing a Little Street Library on your street verge means that you will need to get Council approval.
You will need to submit a Road & Verge Authorization Form (Section 221) seeking Council approval to conduct construction works on Council land.
You will also need to provide the following documentation and information as part of the application:
- Copy of Public Liability Insurance held by the person who will install the Little Library
- Detailed sketch/plan of the work
- Commencement & completion date of the work
- Contact details of both the person responsible for maintaining the Little Street Library (i.e. the person submitting the form) and the person installing the Little Street Library
The person who will be responsible for maintaining the Little Street Library will need to take out Public Liability Insurance cover for the Little Street Library. Council is not responsible for any liability claims or vandalism to the Little Street Library.
Helpful Tips
Some things to consider when planning your Little Street Library:
- Location
- Make sure it is not too close to other existing Little Street Libraries
- Pick a location where it will be easily visible and there is foot traffic passing by
- Make sure it is safely out of the way of the roads, vehicles and other hazards
- Street Librarian – the Caretaker(s)
- Identify who is going to be responsible for maintaining and looking after your Little Street Library
- Sourcing a Little Street Library
- You can build your own, pay someone else to build it or buy one ready made from a supplier
- Make sure it is weather and water-proof so the books stay dry
- Make it safe – use plexiglass instead of glass on the doors; make sure there are no pointy bits or protruding screws or nails
- For purchasing ready-made, check the Etsy website or Street Library
- Promoting your Little Street Library
- Register your Little Street Library with Street Library Australia and Little Libraries of SA
- Letterbox drop your local neighbourhood
- Post pictures and information to local Facebook pages
Further Information
- Street Library Australia - https://streetlibrary.org.au
- Little Free Library - https://littlefreelibrary.org/about
- Little Libraries of South Australia - https://www.facebook.com/littlelibrariesofsa