Today, The Footpath Library operates mobile library outreach services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, and gives away more than 8,000 books per year.
Part-Time Staff
Sarah Garnett
Managing Director
The Footpath Library’s Founder and Managing Director was a corporate communications producer for 25 years before a chance meeting with a man sleeping rough changed the course of her life and career. Sarah has been dedicated to The Footpath Library since 2003. In 2014 she started a BA major in Anthropology (completed in 2018), after her Footpath Library friends ignited an interest in human diversity and gave her the courage to study at University for the first time. Sarah is passionate about encouraging literacy from an early age, making books accessible to everyone who loves reading and changing society’s perceptions of people experiencing homelessness.
Katrina Webb
Programs Manager Vic
Katrina enjoys helping others and believes that small things can make a big difference. She spent 10 years helping animals at the RSPCA before moving to Lentil As Anything, where food and conversation were tools that helped many people get back on their feet. Working alongside volunteers who cared so much was key to the enjoyment Katrina got from both roles. She loves to meet new people and believes that together we could end homelessness in Australia, starting with one book at a time.
Angela Speck
Programs Manager NSW
Angela started her career as a high school English teacher, and has gradually moved out of education into the not-for-profit sector. Her work has remained focussed primarily on literacy and education programs, in South Africa, the UK, and now Australia. She has a particular passion for sharing and developing a love of reading, and believes books are the greatest journey anyone can venture upon.
Angela believes her key strengths are the ability to remain solutions-focussed, connect with others, and hopefully, instil a love of reading and learning along the way.
Naomi Christensen
Programs Manager WA
Naomi is a community connector who loves getting lost in the pages of a good book. Naomi has spent the last ten years making a change in local government and the previous decade at the ABC having the privilege of sharing peoples stories. Her background in journalism and community development has fuelled her passion for social justice and bringing people together. Whether through storytelling, events, or fostering meaningful connections, she thrives on building bridges within communities.
Volunteer Staff
Vincent Coles
Sydney Mobile (CBD) Library Manager
Since 2014 Vince has been responsible for recruiting and rostering volunteers for our Martin Place outreach, from his workplace, Clayton Utz, who are one of The Footpath Library’s primary supporters. Vince was initially drawn to volunteering with The Footpath library because he wanted to be useful for others. He enjoys reading (primarily history, sci-fi and historical fiction), movies/TV shows and PC games.
Consultants
Kylie Jones
Partnerships Manager
Kylie has worked in the not-for-profit sector and education sectors for more than 25 years. Her non-profit work has spanned humanitarian aid, aged and dementia care, and international animal welfare. An avid reader from a young age, Kylie is passionate about ensuring people experiencing homelessness have equal access to reading and books.