We love to know what people are reading and what to add to our ‘To Be Read’ pile of books. Victoria (Board member) Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng This book is a gripping mystery that focuses on a missing teenage girl in 1970s Ohio. The narrative digs into the complexities of family…
When Casey Munyard saw an advertisement for a volunteer hairdresser to help at The Footpath Library’s Hub service in Sydney, she jumped at the chance. “I was looking to volunteer my time as I wanted to give back to people who need it most in our community, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity,’ said…
In July, we had the pleasure of talking with Emma Viskic, a volunteer with The Footpath Library in Melbourne and published author of four novels. Emma became a volunteer at one of our mobile libraries after Melbourne came out of COVID lockdowns. Here, she shares with us her experience of volunteering. ‘My journey to become a volunteer…
The Footpath Library has been fortunate to receive funding over the past two years from The Greeba Jamison Perpetual Charitable Trust. Last year’s funding came just at the right time when our Melbourne mobile library services had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and extended lockdown periods. The grant enabled The Footpath Library to recommence…
Recently, Hachette Australia and Knit4Charities gave us books and hand-knitted items for the beautiful women at Carrie’s Place and Jenny’s Place, in the Hunter NSW. We were able to deliver a supply of books and hand-knitted beanies, scarves and knee blankets for the winter months. Carrie’s Place provides a range of culturally appropriate services for people experiencing…
We’d like to welcome Raj Pillay as our new Board Member, based in Melbourne. Raj is Senior Legal Counsel at National Australia Bank, and specialises in commercial litigation and regulatory investigations. ‘I joined the board of The Footpath Library because I am passionate about mental health and social change and the two concerns work well…
The Footpath Library is pleased to call IMB Bank Community Foundation supporters in our mobile library service at Martin Place, Sydney, having received funding for the past two years. IMB Bank Community Foundation understands that not-for-profit and volunteer organisations are the backbone of local communities and need financial support to help Australians in their time…
2023 has been busy across our programs in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Here’s a quick update on what’s been happening across The Footpath Library Programs. Sydney Apart from our regular service at Martin Place, The Footpath Library has commenced monthly mobile libraries at neighbourhood centres in Waterloo and Newtown, as well as trialing a new…
In 2021, our MD Sarah received an email out of the blue. It was from a woman called Coralie who wanted to talk about how the Foundation she managed could help The Footpath Library. The Founder and Chair of the Foundation had a passion for literacy and wanted to help people experiencing homelessness. With a…
Gini has been a volunteer with The Footpath Library in Melbourne for over two years. Through The Footpath Library, she provides books, glasses and warm clothes to people experiencing homelessness and those who live in public ad social housing. She volunteers because she loves to meet new people and form lasting bonds; she’s also…
Observing a fountain and watching the water trickle down; imagining being a detective and traversing the city to see its secrets: according to the Daily Jstor, people experiencing homelessness use their free time in creative and inspiring ways. “Books put me in touch with minds greater than my own that I will never…
Like any part of the body, the brain needs exercise to keep it strong, happy and healthy. Reading is one way to keep your mind active and has been shown to benefit mental health, improve memory and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Books offer something for everyone. Whether you’re…
The volunteer team behind the mobile library services in Perth continue to be continues to be the driving force that ensures people experiencing homelessness can access books and reading glasses, according to The Footpath Library’s new Perth Programs Manager, Camille Grubba. “The volunteer team in Perth is amazing,” explains Camille. “Our volunteers have stuck through…
After receiving the title of World’s Most Locked Down City, Melbourne is starting to move again and that includes The Footpath Library. The need for social connection and conversation, as well as books, reading glasses and beanies has never been greater, and thanks to The Footpath Library volunteers, people experiencing homelessness are able to get…
Apart from running our regular mobile library outreach at Martin Place, The Footpath Library is currently piloting a monthly service, The Hub, in Sydney inner west, where people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage can access a range of support services. The Hub aims to provide a welcoming, safe space and a ‘one-stop-shop’ to ease the challenges…