Reading buddies and real support

At The Footpath Library, our mission is to distribute new and high-quality second-hand books to people experiencing homelessness.

However, we also offer hot drinks, reading glasses – and occasionally even beautiful knitted toys, like these handmade creations donated by Knit4Charities. 

Based in New South Wales and Western Australia, Knit4Charities has been running for two decades – making it a similar age to The Footpath Library – and it brings together passionate crafters to support those in need

In September 2025, we worked with Knit4Charities to provide children in crisis accommodation around Newcastle with care packages including new books and knitted reading buddies. 

Over the past few years, we have seen increasing demand for children’s books, and Knit4Charities gifts us hundreds of these reading teddies every year. Kids love them!