Kids have their say on new street libraries

Blue Mountains’ kids are invited to have their say on shaping their community in a new initiative from Blue Mountains City Council, Kids Say. 

Kids Say is a dedicated space on Council’s existing Have Your Say website, where kids (5-12 years) can take part in surveys and give feedback on matters that concern them. Council will use this input to inform decision-making.

For the first project, Council invites kids to have their say on the location of 10 future children’s street libraries, to be installed throughout the Blue Mountains.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said: “We know that kids also have opinions about their local environment and community. This project acknowledges children’s voices and they can help guide us in setting up street libraries across the Mountains that will specifically benefit kids.

“This project contributes to Council’s commitment to the recognition of Blue Mountains as a child-friendly city and supports children’s access to books and reading.” The Kids Say page is open now and we’re inviting kids to tell us where they would like to see the 10 new street libraries, and why. Each of the kids who find the locations suitable for one of the10 libraries will receive a $40 voucher! Grandparents, parents and carers are encouraged to support kids to have their say.

Council has purchased the 10 street libraries from Street Library Australia. The Central Mountains Men’s Shed and the Blue Mountains Women’s Shed are working with Council to assemble these libraries. Blue Mountains Libraries will donate books to start the project, once they are implemented.

“Our members are delighted to be part of this street library project,” said John Crichton, Secretary for Central Mountains Men’s Shed. “It’s so important to support kids to read when they’re young and it’s wonderful for kids to share this with each other.” 

“The Women’s Shed has members across the Mountains eager to get started on this project,” said Co-ordinator Sherlie McMillan.

Go to Kids Say to find out more.

We will be taking submissions until Monday, 17 August 2020.

COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may affect when these Street Libraries will be installed, or how they will be managed.