澳大利亞的街頭圖書館

Bonnie Riva Ras

The street libraries of Australia

澳大利亞的社區想出了一個方法來向年輕一代傳遞對書籍的熱愛——在房屋或公共場所設置裝滿書籍的小型圖書館。

In todays digital age when you can get information in the blink of an eye， there is a concern about children developing an appreciation for reading printed books. Thats why communities in Australia have come up with a way to impart a love of books in the younger generations.

Communities have solved this issue by bringing libraries to where the kids are. The little libraries consist of weatherproof boxes that are set up outside of houses or public spaces and are filled with books. People can take books they havent read and donate the ones they have to the libra?ries.

Street Library Australia， a nonprofit program， was started by Nick Lowe after he saw a Little Free Library in a trip to the US. After an initial workshop in 2015 to build 30 libraries， the idea mushroomed and now there are 4，500 registered street libraries in Australia.

The libraries come in all shapes and sizes from repurposed doll houses to old kitchen cupboards. These libraries are completely voluntary and anyone can start one. Pamela Zielke who runs a library called Pams Pantry gives out toys and craft supplies along with books. An early childhood educator started her library with the goal of rescuing books from the dump.

But the libraries are doing much more than just providing books and other donated items to people. The street libra?ries are also building community. “Its a little stopping place outside your house，” Lowe said. “Its a great way to meet people in your neighborhood who are also book lovers， recycle books， and find new books.”

What are the benefits of the street libraries of Australia according to the text？