Swim Between The Flags, Read Between The Lines

By Daniel Hutton on January 12, 2015 in News

Randwick City Council recently marked the start of summer by opening of Sydney’s – and most likely Australia’s – first and only free beach library on the shores of the world-renowned Coogee Beach as a unique service for residents and visitors alike.

Located on the lower beach promenade right next to the sand, the six-metre wide, freestanding timber bookshelf constructed by Council’s carpenters will stock more than 1000 fiction and non-fiction books and magazines in various languages and genres, ensuring there is something for everyone to pick up and enjoy.

Randwick Mayor Ted Seng struggled to maintain his excitement about the beachside project, and stressed the importance of libraries to the local community.

“I am excited to be opening our unofficial fourth library in Randwick City, and a unique one at that,” he said.

“European countries have trialled similar initiatives before, but we’re not aware of any beach libraries of this scale and capacity in Australia.

“Our existing three library branches collectively deliver more than 1,500 programs, services, classes and events each year to almost 40,000 participants.

“Modern libraries are thriving educational and social centres and the Beach Library will bring our resources to even more members of our community to enjoy and learn from.

“If the Coogee Beach Library is able to encourage even just one child to pick up a book and discover the joy of reading, then this project will be well worth it,” he said.

The Coogee Beach Library will be open from 7am to 7pm until the end of February 2015.