The residents of Uniting AgeWell’s Kalkee Community, Murray had a great idea about a year ago and it’s still proving to be a hit with the community and residents.

They created a street library which is maintained and stocked up by residents and enjoyed by passers-by. Not only do locals choose a free book or a DVD, but they can even take a lemon or two when they walk by the little water-proof purple library on a pole outside the site.

The Kalkee Murray Street Library is making a heartfelt difference connecting with their local area.  So much so, plans are underway for another community initiative – a Santa letter box alongside it, so little ones can send mail directly to the North Pole.

Lifestyle Coordinator Fiona Allchin says this is just the first chapter in the community initiative.  “The residents are pretty excited about plans for a Santa letter box in time for Christmas!”  They are also keen to help Santa out by writing back to the children.”

The street library initiative came from residents who wanted to find another way to connect to the community.  Fiona says residents regularly top up the shelves with books and DVDs.  They also decide which books from the community’s own massive library will be shared.  

“Every book has got a sticker on it saying ‘With love from the Kalkee Murray Street Library.’  Each comes with a beautiful bookmark, made by our craft group, bearing the same message.” says Fiona.

They also alternate the free lemons on offer with herbs and cherry tomatoes that residents grow on site.  “Helping run the library gives residents a sense of purpose.”

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