OUR IMPACT
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORIES TO CHANGE LIVES. HERE ARE SOME OF THE LIVES CHANGED BY OURS.
The Footpath Library began more than 20 years ago with a simple mission: to bring the joy of reading to people experiencing homelessness.
Since then, the issue of homelessness has only grown. In 2021, on Census night, there were at least 121,000 Australians living on the streets experiencing homelessness – the highest number yet.
In that time, The Footpath Library has delivered more than 200,000 books to people living on the streets experiencing homelessness, along with countless moments of warmth, dignity and human connection.
We believe in the power of stories to change lives.
OUR READERS WORDS
Our readers describe the impact of The Footpath Library in their own words.
“The Footpath Library gives me the opportunity to read books I otherwise might not read.
I like philosophical books and escaping from myself by reading. Reading is a form of escapism and relaxation.”
ANTHONY
“Reading is an escape, get away from the dreariness of life.
I mean, when you get into a book, if you are able to actually picture it in your head, you’re able to immerse yourself into not only the words but the world of the author.”
PHILIP
“Reading is an escape, get away from the dreariness of life.
I mean, when you get into a book, if you are able to actually picture it in your head, you’re able to immerse yourself into not only the words but the world of the author.”
PEDRO
GRAHAM’S STORY
“It made me interested in getting my HSC. Which I did.”
Graham discovered The Footpath Library after experiencing homelessness for a decade. It helped change her life. “I was starting to rely on food vans, and suddenly this miraculous library turned up.
“I can’t even put it into words. It was just extraordinary to be around people who were always positive, and I’d mention an author that I really enjoyed, and suddenly that author would appear; and it just felt very encouraging. It really started to make me re-interested in the idea of education, going back and doing my HSC which I eventually did.
“I feel like I’ve got a future now.”
Read more of Graham’s story here.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE FOOTPATH LIBRARY’S IMPACT.
OUR VALUES