This is a small community library that is located inside Le’s Bakery, Branxton. 

The idea of a Street Library is that you can borrow a book, swap a book or donate a book. 

The Branxton Preschool Street Library is a multi-level bookshelf, which is filled with children's books that may be taken, borrowed or swapped for other titles.

It is not a strict system as the idea is to enable access to literature for all children. 

The Street Library was registered with www.streetlibrary.org.au and the “raw” library was purchased. 

Educators, in consultation with the children, began to design and create a very unique Street Library. 

Once all the ideas were collected, the educational team were the ones who engaged with the preschool children to begin to paint the library. 

The children absolutely loved being involved in this process. 

The excitement and anticipation was extremely high as this is the first of its kind in the Hunter Valley. 

“This is for our entire community to use,” Branxton Preschool director Natalie Caslick said.

“It is there to enhance access to reading materials for young children. 

“Everyone is encouraged to pop in, pick up a book and share a story with their little ones.”

It is believed that some parents will travel quite a distance to take their children to all the various Street Libraries in their surrounding regions and plenty of parents have been calling in on their way to and from work to borrow a book to share with their children when they get home. 

“Children should be read to optimally three stories a day in order to promote early literacy,” Ms Caslick said.

“We’re very appreciative of both the Branxton Greta Business Chamber and Cessnock City Council for their support of getting this program up and running.”

If you would like to know more about Branxton Preschool, do not hesitate to phone them on 4938 1990, follow them on Instagram or check out the website.