Sign In / Register
Students at Ahutoetoe School have been busy working on a mini-library for the Milldale community to enjoy over the summer holidays.
From little libraries to book-bombing, community book exchanges are a global phenomenon. Auckland-based disability support worker Robyn Hoffman turned the concept into a project for the young adults she supported through Real World Living (RWL).
“I thought this would be a great project for the people we work with at Real World Living. This would give them a sense of purpose, a place in community and being seen and present,” Hoffman said.
“The project took off and as of last month, we have made 74 little libraries for communities across Auckland.”
Milldale resident Gaylene Chambers, who knew Hoffman through the disability sector, was inspired to bring a little library to her neighbourhood on the Hibiscus Coast.
“I have been collaborating with Robyn since August to bring one of these nifty libraries into the newly-established Milldale suburb, and Ahutoetoe School,” Chambers said.
The wooden stand was made with love by volunteers from the RWL disabled community. They put their heart and soul into building these cool little libraries for everyone.”
The libraries are made from donated plywood. After experimenting with different models, Hoffman said the organisation developed a standard style but each library door was different, inspired by the person helping build it. Then they give the library to the people who requested it so they can decorate the library to make it a part of their community.
Year 6 students at Ahutoetoe School worked together to design and paint the library with support from the caretaker. The students are proud of their creation and excited to share it with the community in time for summer holidays. The little library works on a “take a book, share a book” principle.
