From Paris to Paraguay, Georgia to Sydney, street libraries are transforming streets and Parramatta is officially leading Australia with over 120 street libraries in the local area.
From the leafy corners of Epping to the footpaths of Ermington, the tiny book-sharing wooden boxes - perched on fences, nestled in parks or mounted beside footpaths are inviting locals to 'take a book, leave a book and start a conversation'.
The global grassroots movement - known internationally as Little Free Libraries (LFL) and locally as Street Libraries - is active in 91 countries with one simple mission: make books free, accessible and shared within local communities.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Parramatta's suburban streets are now a shining example of how that mission takes flight.
"With over 5,600 libraries registered nationally, Parramatta stands tall as the country's undisputed leader of the Street Library movement, transforming our streets into hubs of literacy, connection and community," Cr Zaiter said.
"We're not just leading New South Wales in this initiative, we're leading the country in building one of the most connected and literate communities.
"Street Libraries are about more than books - they turn ordinary footpaths into spaces of generosity, learning and community where ideas live, neighbours connect and communities grow stronger.
"These libraries show that big change can start from a small box on the street - how small things can build stronger neighbourhoods and help us feel closer in a fast-paced world."
Launched locally in 2017, Parramatta's Street Library journey began with three small libraries in Rosehill, North Parramatta and Dundas. In just eight years, the movement has flourished.
An approximate breakdown between our five wards:
- Parramatta: 26 addresses (20.6%)
- Epping: 34 addresses (27%)
- Dundas: 23 addresses (18.3%)
- North Rocks: 18 addresses (14.3%)
- Rosehill: 25 addresses (19.8%)
The suburbs with the highest number of Street Libraries include Epping (19), Rydalmere (10), Carlingford (10) and Northmead (9).
More than 60 libraries have been installed through a dedicated Council Engagement Package in collaboration with Street Library Australia - a not-for-profit championing literacy, sustainability and community connection nationwide, with the rest built by schools, locals and community groups.
Street Library Australia General Manager Mel Lake said Parramatta is a gold star example of how Councils can support literacy, creativity and community all at once, in a time when literacy gaps and loneliness are growing globally.
"This isn't just about books. These libraries reduce social isolation, promote sustainability and turn everyday spaces into something human and welcoming," Ms Lake said.
"Street Library Australia has worked alongside the City of Parramatta by placing more than 60 Street Libraries throughout the various council wards. This is largely due to council's support of our 'Council Engagement Package' designed to streamline the process of getting Street Libraries out into communities.
"We've provided Street Libraries to a broad cross section of the community on a mixture of public and private land. The list of beneficiaries is long and includes individuals, families, community organisations, schools and centres of learning across age groups, as well as a wide range of cultures and age demographics that reflect the social and cultural diversity of the Parramatta community."
