The waterside street library where books and community go hand-in-hand - the Thames Street library
While Balmain Library is closed for renovations this winter, where do you go for a book fix?
Whether on your ferry commute or just strolling the harbour, head down to heritage-listed Thames Street Ferry Wharf for its street library – a community book nook inside the red-hooded shelter by the water.
The emergence of the street library
Street libraries are a network of public book exchanges providing free and equitable access to knowledge. Locals are welcome to take or leave books on an honour system: there’s no check-out or obligation to return them. However, to keep the system functioning, all are encouraged to contribute quality books.
The street library concept grew during the pandemic years in Australia, as communities strove for connection. Today, there are around 4500 in Australia. Most often, they appear as weatherproof boxes on fences outside homes, accessible 24/7 from the street.
“They are a symbol of trust and hope – a tiny vestibule of literary happiness,” says the official Street Library Australia website, which also states that the system enhances literacy.
Most street libraries are managed by local “librarians” and at Thames St Wharf, this passionate individual is Imma Thiel.
“I have always been an avid reader, so I had an extensive library of hundreds of books which were taking over the house,” the retired English teacher told Neighbourhood Media on why she started the library spontaneously four years ago.
“I painted a small bookcase red and filled it with books and took it to the wharf. Next day, there appeared another pile of books next to my effort. So, I painted another bookcase red and then another one. Neighbours also donated some shelves.”
“Each shelf has a history,” she says.
Supporting the local community
It has been a hit with the community ever since, with Thiel sharing, “The library was extremely popular during COVID. But it seems to grow every year. I added six new shelves this year.”
Retiree Rosemary Burnside, a Balmain resident of 20 years, says when she discovered the library, “I was so excited to see the cute old ferry passenger shelter so well used.”
“I collect books for rural friends every month from here and other street libraries,” Burnside added. “I am very proud of the library. I love books, as do many of my friends, so we circulate books regularly.”
Kerrie Fergusson, a local parent and Candidate for Inner West Council Local Government Elections this September, says the library has become a “Balmain staple.”
“I feel as though it's always been there but of course it hasn't,” she says. “My favourite thing is its magical location and the fact that it's community-run.”
Fergusson also added, “What’s struck me is the organisation and love behind the library. The care taken to categorise and stack each book. Community projects like this are so far-reaching. They not only connect people but create character, relaxation and a sense of belonging.”
Thiel says she attends the library up to three times a day to clean and categorise books, but that the community plays their part too (for better or worse). She says people often resell the best books or “dump” too many. Unfortunately, her brooms are often stolen too.
“People can take as many books as they wish,” she says, adding, “But please – keep order.”
Supporting your local street library
To support the street library, Fergusson encourages the community to, “Grab a coffee and set aside some time to browse and be inspired. There are so many books from such a wide range of categories, there's something for everyone. The best thing is you can sit in the park by the harbour for a quiet read when you are done.”
She added that for herself, supporting the library means riding bikes with her family to the wharf to exchange a few books, as well as dropping off a tub of kids' books a few times a year.
Street libraries thrive thanks to their local community. You can support the initiative by donating a book to Balmain Wharf or another street library near you, found via the map on Street Library Australia, or even creating one of your own in your area.
By Tahney Fosdike
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