Nestled in the revitalised Monbulk Laneway, a familiar blue Tardis has landed and promises to deliver a world of words and imagination!
Community and visitors are now welcome to stop and ponder over the ever-changing variety of books and literature gems including poetry, children's fiction, history and biographies to name a few, all packed neatly inside a 'Dr Who' inspired cabinet created by the Monbulk District Men's Shed.
"After the year we've had with Covid restrictions, it's wonderful to see community groups come together to create something that encourages reading and social connectivity," Cr David Eastham said.
Made from a pair of rescued bedside tables and other donated materials, the Dr Who Street Library embodies everything that is important to the Monbulk Men's Shed, not just the eco conscious. The books, carefully sourced by community volunteers, are free to borrow and can be swapped for another anytime.
"This really is a community project. It doesn't belong to any one particular group. Everyone has rallied behind it and together we've made it happen, all because of a love of community and books!" Nerrida Mitchell said.
Nerrida Mitchell, of the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN), first came up with the idea of a Street Library as she had seen others appear across the Yarra Ranges Shire and identified a need for one in Monbulk that is easy to access and encourages community connection as much as reading.
Phipps Gay, President of the Monbulk Men's Shed, said, it has been a lot of fun. The Men's Shed had been working on this idea before COVID. It's been great for the Men's Shed to do something like this for the community.
The Yarra Ranges Council's Place Recovery Team collaborated with the Men's Shed as well as the Monbulk and District Community Working Group (MADCOW), to arrange installation of the 'Dr Who' Tardis in a central location, using the Monbulk Laneway Community Space, to facilitate this heart-warming community project.
While the Monbulk 'Dr Who' Street Library will be checked regularly by local volunteers, we ask the public to play a responsible part to help keep it clean, tidy and only exchange books in excellent condition. We anticipate it will remain permanently and open seven days a week, subject to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Monbulk District Men's Shed welcomes new members and hold public open-days on the 1st Saturday of each month, located behind the Open Door Church at 1A Moxhams Rd, Monbulk VIC 3793.
