An Andergrove resident has set up a small street library on Bedford Road, Andergrove where people can borrow, swap or take books at their leisure.
Lauren Costello is a high school teacher and owner of Brighter Learning Tuition and said she’s wanted to set up a street library for years.
“I’ve seen what children and families have access to in Mackay and not everyone has the money to be able to buy books,” she said.
“I thought if I put something out there that’s not only accessible but free, and people can take what they want and want they need, then it removes one of those major barriers for a lot of kids who don’t have the opportunity to get books and to read at home.”
Ms Costello has stocked the street library with something for everyone.
“I’ve made sure that there’s books for all ages and all abilities, so things from learning ABCs all the way through to adult murder mystery, romance, there’s a little bit of everything in there at the moment,” she said.
People are welcome to swap and contribute their own books, but Lauren is mindful that not everyone is able to do so.
“I’ll just keep replenishing it and if people want to borrow, they want to swap, if they find something they love and want to keep it, they’re more than welcome to,” she said.
Ms Costello also has a background in mental health and suicide prevention and has stocked the library with Grapevine Group’s Help-A-Mate cards, affirmation cards and other messages of positivity.
“People can come, they can develop a love of reading, but they also have access to something positive,” she said.
“It’s just another level of forming those connections within the community, because not everyone has someone.
“I hope people come and make use of it.”
Lauren Costello has opened a street library in Andergrove. Photos supplied
