Port launches its own mini book-swap library

BOOK Nooks – or mini libraries – have been popping up on streets around the world, and now Portarlington boasts its own mini book-swap library.

Located in the main street near the Indian restaurant, the library was launched last week to provide interested readers with free books.

Lorraine Stokes, who was a librarian earlier in her life, commissioned Clifton Springs Community Men’s shed to help, with volunteers donating their time and expertise constructing the tiny library, which Lorraine then painted.

The library works on an honesty system where books may be borrowed and returned or “swapped” with other books, which are deemed suitable for the general public, including children.

Lorraine has organised a number of “library monitors” to ensure that the library is kept tidy.

It is not intended for advertising information or brochures but will be a venue for collecting the Portarlington Neighbourhood House Writers’ magazine, the Portal, when it is due for publication.