Street Champion Jody.
Project: The Little Library on Lloyd Street
Suburb: St Marys, South Australia
Jody is a Street Champion who started the Little Library on Lloyd Street, a street library where the local community can share books, plants and produce. They also have a small herb and veggie garden. Community events like Neighbourhood BBQs, kite flying days and a book club have been part of their journey. The library is open 24/7 as it is situated facing the street on private property. While the residents living at 34 Lloyd Street are the custodians of the library, the community has contributed by maintaining the general tidiness of the goods available and regularly participated by swapping, donating, or taking what they need.
Part of the site is a verge garden inspired by a love of native wildlife and plants which includes a touch of magic with a faery garden hidden among the plants.
“I think I have made something creative, fun and happy for people to visit. I bake dog biscuits which I leave out for our furry visitors because dogs are the best. And it turns out dogs and libraries bring people together.”
Jody, what’s your best piece of advice for anyone embarking on an ‘In Our Street’ project?
“Consider what your capacity is in regard to the time and resources you have available. Create a project that fits within those boundaries, so it’s a joy for you to work on and not a chore. Is there an organisation that already exists that is similar to your idea that you can tap into eg Street Library Australia is a wonderful support network with some good guidelines but at the same time, you can create a library to suit your own style.
Local council can be very helpful, especially anyone from a community engagement team and definitely the grants officer!
Letterboxing and social media can be a great way to engage your community.”
What has this project meant to you?
“The Little Library on Lloyd Street has been an opportunity to connect with neighbours, try new things and been a wonderful excuse to collect books and to talk to people about plants and wildlife! It was a project that survived the isolation of a pandemic and has meant I have met so many new people. I think I have made something creative, fun and happy for people to visit. I bake dog biscuits which I leave out for our furry visitors and dogs are the best. And it turns out dogs and libraries bring people together.”
