Street library opens world of books for residents

ARCARE Portarlington residents have celebrated the opening of a street library they built, with the help of the St Leonards Men’s Shed.

Located out the front of the residence, the library is for neighbours, residents and their families to drop off a book and pick one up for free.

With social isolation a big issue affecting the elderly, the street library will encourage residents to connect with the local community.

Meanwhile, local not-for-profit The Winged Horse Equine Welfare Inc has kindly donated a small area of land to Arcare Portarlington residents where they will create a community garden.

A group of residents will be working with leisure and health students from training provider genU to design the garden and begin planting.

Once up and running the residents hope to invite the local schools to enjoy the garden, and also residents hope to sell their produce at local markets, and will use the fresh ingredients in their cooking.

“One of my passions is being able to grow my own food so I think this is a great initiative and there should be more of it,” resident Neil Smith said.

“It can be adapted for any purpose, for example we have adapted it for aged care but individuals could also start their own community garden.”

The residents have had their first meeting with the students from genU and have visited the area they will be using.