The Street Library is located inside Le’s Bakery on Maitland Street and was launched by Branxton Preschool in conjunction with Early Childhood Education Week in August.

The idea of a Street Library is to borrow, swap or donate a book. It is open to the entire community, with the idea to enable access to literature for children.

“Children should be read to optimally three stories a day in order to promote early literacy,” Branxton Preschool director Natalie Caslick said.

“The Street Library is there to enhance access to reading materials for young children.”

Branxton Preschool educators, in consultation with the children, designed and created their unique Street Library.

Once all the ideas were collected, the educational team engaged with the preschool children to begin to paint the library, and everyone was excited to be involved.

Ms Caslick encouraged local parents to pop in, pick up a book and share a story with their little ones.

“It is believed that some parents will travel quite a distance to take their children to all the various Street Libraries in their surrounding regions and plenty of parents have been calling in on their way to and from work to borrow a book to share with their children when they get home,” she said.

Branxton Preschool is thanked the Branxton Greta Business Chamber and Cessnock City Council for their support of getting this program up and running.

More than 200 street libraries have been registered with Street Libraries Australia. To register or find a street library near you, visit streetlibrary.org.au.