A new street library is set to bring the tight-knit community of Kendall even closer through a joint love of reading.
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Kendall resident Sarah Martin said everyone should have access to books and recently opened up the library on Graham Street.
The new facility comes after a street library was established at Dunbogan.
Sarah's library was given the green light thanks to a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Port Macquarie Hastings Library Service initiative.
A giveaway of 10 street library kits attracted 48 applications with judging based on the application quality and the geographic location.
There were five successful applicants in Port Macquarie, one in Kendall, two in Wauchope, one in Lake Cathie and one in Bonny Hills.
They each received a free street library kit.
Sarah decorated her box with a chime made from old keys which were given to her.
"It's fitting because I believe books are the keys to life," she said.
"If people read they can live through thousands of lives, by exploring different characters."
Sarah said there are a lot of people who struggle financially, however the street library allows anyone to read because it's a free initiative.
The Kendall street library has already established some big bookworm fans, including a three-year-old girl who visits everyday.
Marketing and program librarian Kate Forrest said most of the 10 new street libraries had been installed.
"Street libraries really do become owned by the neighbourhood and people take care of them," she said.
Ms Forrest said street libraries promoted a love of reading and positive neighbourhood connections.
The successful applicants attended two workshops at the Mid North Coast Community College MakerSpace to construct and decorate the street libraries.
The street library community gathered to celebrate at Port Macquarie Library during Library Week.
The new street library locations are at 24 Mill Hill, 4 The Summit, 20 Hillcrest Avenue and 4 Wayfield Way in Port Macquarie; 85 Riverside Drive on Port Macquarie's North Shore; 63 Abel Tasman Drive in Lake Cathie; 996 Ocean Drive in Bonny Hills; 29 Graham Street in Kendall; 24 Azalea Avenue, Wauchope, and 3 Riverbreeze Drive at TG's Child Care Riverbreeze Campus in Wauchope.
Most of the new street libraries are up and running.
Street libraries are homes for books placed in front yards. They invite neighbours to share the joys of reading and connect members of the community.
For more information, to establish your own library or find one close to you please visit the website streetlibrary.org.au