In a world where community spirit and the love of reading often go hand in hand, the humble street library has become a cherished addition to neighbourhoods across Australia. These quaint little book exchanges, often set up by book lovers, have been popping up on nature strips, fostering a sense of sharing and connection among residents. However, not all tales of community goodwill have a fairytale beginning, as one Queensland woman discovered when her local council threw the book at her over a street library she set up outside her home.
Melissa Forbes, a 38-year-old avid reader from Moreton Bay, Queensland, was inspired to contribute to her community’s literary landscape. She found an old street library box for sale on Facebook Marketplace and, with a dash of creativity and elbow grease, refurbished it to become a neighbourhood book-swapping station. Little did she know, her well-intentioned act would soon become the plot of a bureaucratic saga.
Forbes’ street library, which she had registered with StreetLibrary.org, was meant to be a beacon of community sharing. Yet, just weeks after its installation, a council worker appeared at her doorstep, deeming the book box ‘illegal’ and demanding a permit. The council’s involvement escalated the situation into what Forbes described as a ‘comedy skit you couldn’t make up’.
Despite her efforts to comply with the sudden permit requirement, Forbes was met with a plot twist: her application was declined. The council worker informed her that the street library was considered an unacceptable alteration of public land and had to be removed. They suggested she could obtain public liability insurance at a steep cost of around $90 a month, or move the library behind her fence line, which Forbes felt would defeat its purpose.
Feeling like she was in a Kafkaesque narrative, Forbes reluctantly dismantled the library, sharing the disappointing news on the local Facebook page. The community’s response was immediate and passionate. Residents expressed their dismay at the council’s decision, highlighting the importance of initiatives that strengthen community ties and encourage reading. Comments poured in, praising the street library and criticising the council for not prioritising more pressing issues.
The backlash was palpable, with locals rallying behind Forbes, lodging objections with the council, and even starting a petition that quickly amassed around 300 signatures. But rather than engage in a drawn-out battle with the council, Forbes decided to write her own ending to the story.
In response to the situation, Forbes creatively rebranded her street library as the ‘Illegal Book Box’ and attached it to her fence like a mailbox, ensuring it complied with council guidelines. The community welcomed its return, and the council has not intervened since.
The City of Moreton Bay Council, when contacted, stated they had worked with Forbes on the library’s placement, citing public safety concerns due to its initial positioning. They expressed satisfaction with the library’s new location, which did not impede access.
Forbes’ story, which she shared on social media, went viral, garnering 400,000 views and making the ‘Illegal Book Box’ a well-known street library in South East Queensland. With strong community support and Forbes’ determination, what started as a challenge became a story of resilience, showing that sometimes, the pen (or in this case, the book) is mightier than the sword.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think councils should be more flexible with community projects like street libraries, or do you believe regulations are necessary to maintain public safety and order? Have you encountered similar challenges in your neighbourhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: Australian libraries redefine their role: More than just books
Well good on you! Bureaucracy going crazy flexing their muscles…
We have a similar little book library in our local shopping centre, brilliant idea and well used by us locals, not mentioning where, in case MCC close it down..
I have seen a number of these Community Book Boxes.
They are mainly look like a Mobile Book Shelf, outside a local newsagent.
My late Partner, as she was an avid book/novel reader, used to use a couple that were reasonably close by !!
The community Book Boxes are amazing especially when traveling in the van. We can’t use the library’s in towns that we go through as you aren’t usually staying for long periods. Carrying heaps of books with you is difficult given other items that you need to carry on your trip. I also do the second hand shops and buy 2nd hand books from local businesses. This also saves a lot of good books from going to local tips which is such a waste as well.
Maybe there is still a strain within the MBC that believe that the hard copy book library is over? Remember how back in the noughties there were schools and local authorities had come to this conclusion and were phasing them out in favour of the Kindle? (Well, the iPad showed what a sorry device the Kindle was.) However most local authority libraries do offer e-book versions of such items as monthly magazines.
Books still “rock”. Recently the large regional city that I live in held a Lifeline Book Fest and thousands of people flocked to the three days that it was open and went home empowered.
My lifetime collection of books over filled my residence and a library addition appears essential. My books are my books, but friends may borrow them.