Local resident creates Narrogin’s first street library out of a humble backyard fridge

Narrogin’s first street library is running out of a humble backyard fridge where residents can borrow or exchange books for free.

Resident Jonathon Gillis created Narrogin’s new street library with an old fridge, a lick of paint, and some second-hand books.

He said running the street library was his way of giving back to the community.

“I’ve seen street libraries around the countryside when you drive down to Albany or Perth, and I thought it would be a good thing to start up here,” he said.

“I’ve been wanting to get involved in volunteering but it’s a bit hard with my work schedule, so this was the easiest way for me to do something for the community.

“I basically just have to walk out the door and sort out the books.”

The street library is emblazoned with the words “give, take, share” to encourage people to use and contribute to the concept.

“If you like a book you can just take it — it’s all for free,” Mr Gillis said.

“People can give a book, especially if you have a whole lot of books that you don’t want, you can just put them in the fridge.

“You can then return the books or share them with a friend or put them in another street library.”

It is hard to miss the brightly painted street library on Fox Street, after Mr Gillis gave the old fridge a fresh coat of colourful paint.

“Originally I started out with an older fridge, but it kept on leaking on the shelves and it was a bit plain,” he said.

“I had another fridge out the back and some spare paint, so I thought I’d do it up a bit.

“To start off with I got given a whole lot of books, and I also collect cans and bottles off the side of the road to recycle them and then I go to the second-hand shops and buy more books.”

Mr Gillis said he had already received positive feedback from the community.

“I’ve had a whole lot of comments on Facebook and they all said we needed something like this,” he said.

“Last weekend I had a little store at Coles and a lot of people wanted to donate and thought it was a good idea.”

Mr Gillis is also creating a street library for the Country Women’s Association hall on Park Street.