Five ‘street libraries’ have been constructed and installed by BackTrack in the Aboriginal housing area so far – one outside a Narwan Village home and the others next to the footpath so they can be accessed at any time. A sixth will soon be installed at Minimbah Preschool.

At an official launch of one of the libraries on Thursday, Karrali Aboriginal Mums & Bubs Service representative Maxine Ross said the program was offered by Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Services and instigated the initiative in conjunction with other Hunter New England Health officers, Backtrack and Armidale Regional Council.

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“The great advantage of street libraries is there is an available collection of books just waiting to be discovered by any child who walks past,” she said.

“Anyone can borrow books from the libraries at any time, then return them for other people to read."

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said the street libraries are a fantastic initiative to encourage children to read, by taking the books to their doorstep. 

“The need to focus on literacy among young people is well documented and Council is very

enthusiastic about providing an assortment of children’s books through the library, Councillor Murray said.

Ms Ross told the Morris Street launch it was hoped the street libraries would help bridge the gap in literacy between Aboriginal children and the wider community. 

The libraries resemble giant letterboxes and are filled with books donated by Armidale War Memorial Library and a number of community members. 

The Hunter New England Health Child Young People Family Team will monitor the libraries, to ensure they are well maintained and stocked with donated books.

The libraries are located at: Jones Avenue, Golgotha Street, Morris Street, Parry Parade, Erskine Street and Minimbah Preschool.

Anyone interested in donated books can contact the Karrali Aboriginal Mothers and Babies Team on 6776 9801.