To celebrate our tenth anniversary, The Footpath Library ran a national poetry competition for school-aged students on the theme of courage. Students could write traditional verse, create a visual or graphic representation of a poem or performance poetry such as rap rhyme or song. The word was picked up via writers’ centres, the library network,…
The Footpath Library (TFL) has hit the airways with a series of Community Service Announcements kindly recorded by our patron Peter FitzSimons, long time supporter Tim Farriss (INXS), Melbourne author ambassador Kate Holden, regular client Barry, and Founder Sarah Garnett. In a heartfelt series the recording team revealed their personal connection and experience with The…
The Footpath Library (TFL) chairperson, Barbara McKellar facilitated a wonderful think tank with several local libraries on February 6. Attended by reps from Waverley Library, Newcastle Library, State Library of NSW, and City of Sydney Libraries the group discussed the challenges and perspectives in working with homeless people. The session was also aimed at uncovering…
The Footpath Library is delighted to have author P.M. Newton as one of our Sydney-based ambassadors. Pam brings a wealth of experience to the role having spent thirteen years with the NSW Police Force—first in uniform, then as a detective—where every day she met people facing the very worst that life had to throw at…
The Footpath Library is delighted to have author P.M. Newton as one of our Sydney-based ambassadors. Pam brings a wealth of experience to the role having spent thirteen years with the NSW Police Force—first in uniform, then as a detective—where every day she met people facing the very worst that life had to throw at…
A question that often leads to confusion and some debate is; should give homeless people on the street money? This question can lead to inner turmoil. On one hand there is the instinct to alleviate suffering but on the other hand there is the concern that by giving you could be supporting self-destructive activities. Then…
Often when we think of homeless people we can’t help but to conjure images of a men with mental health and/or substance abuse issues seeking shelter under bridges, in backstreets, empty buildings and car parks. Although this is true for some people, just six per cent out of the 105,000 people in Australia that experience…
In November, our Sydney mobile service celebrated it’s 10th birthday with all our regular customers. We were delighted that Joe, the man who Sarah gave that first book to ten years ago (now a dear friend), was their to celebrate – and he was really chuffed! A great night, thanks to everyone who contributed! Check out…
To celebrate our 10th anniversary, The Footpath Library is thrilled to announce a national poetry competition for primary and secondary school students. Addressing the theme of COURAGE, students are invited to submit poems that may be traditional verse, a visual or graphic representation of a poem or performance poetry such as rap rhyme or song.…
Event complete! The team completed the ride and raised over $10k – awesome effort! Read the race report here | Look at pics here Once again, a dedicated team of bike riders and fundraisers under the banner of Team BNY Mellon are took part in the Goulburn to Sydney Charity Ride on Sunday 15 September…
This was an assignment created by Hannah Power to introduce, explore the values, and create awareness about The Footpath Library. Please see the wonderful video below. THEY’RE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU AND ME WHO HAVE FALLEN ON BAD TIMES AND NO LONGER HAVE A DWELLING PLACE TO GO – THEY ARE INTERESTED AND KEEN TO…
“Homeless Persons Week is an opportunity for us all to reflect on how we can enrich the lives of homeless people. It’s important that all Australians recognise our homeless community as valuable members of society, many of whom are living on the streets or in shelters after a sudden change in their circumstance has led…
On a bitingly cold night beneath the high rises of corporate Australia, Sydney’s homeless search for nourishment for their minds with the books from The Footpath Library. Click here to watch the video.
Natalie Penova talks to Sarah Garnett about The Footpath Library’s work and Waverley Library’s Suspended Book event. Click here to listen. [mp3player config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml file=http://eastsidefm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Sarah-Garnett-Footpath-Library_mixdown.mp3]
At a Sydney Writer’s Festival-linked event, hosted by Macquarie Banking and Financial Services this morning, the winners of the inaugural The Footpath Library and Macquarie Bank Short Story competition were announced. Patron of The Footpath Library, esteemed journalist and author, Peter FitzSimons AM, welcomed the winners and guests. “The Short Story competition is an initiative…