The Footpath Library Limited

About

The Footpath Library (TFL) operates a weekly mobile library from Martin Place (Sydney) via a dedicated team of volunteers, providing quality free books, reading glasses and donated knitted goods such as beanies and scarves, as well as tea, coffee and snacks to people experiencing homelessness. The books are a catalyst for conversation and social connection, something that people experiencing homelessness value as much as the necessities of food and shelter.

Anyone who loves to read knows that books can be a friend, an escape, an opportunity to learn something new, or to not feel alone. Many of our street readers say that a book is more important to them than a meal because it provides nourishment for their mind and soul.
Bibliotherapy is recognised globally by the medical profession as a form of medicine, with the prescription of reading proven to be beneficial to a person’s mental wellbeing. Through the provision of books, reading glasses and social connection, The Footpath Library is making a positive impact on people experiencing homelessness who attend our mobile library.

The Footpath Library is the only non-profit organisation in Australia that provides free quality books to people experiencing homelessness.

Program donations fund:

For the past 13 years, The Footpath Library (TFL) has been operating mobile library outreach from Martin Place, Sydney, for people experiencing homelessness. With the impacts of COVID-19 such as job losses, financial and housing stress, domestic violence and ill-health, more people in the Greater Sydney region are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and there is a need to extend the reach of our program beyond the CBD area.

The funding from the Be Kind Sydney Campaign would be used to identify a second location to operate a mobile library outreach program based on where the greatest need is. Areas that are being considered include Strathfield--Ashfield-Burwood and Inner West. Another service would mean we would increase our reach by 50%, assisting another 50-60 people experiencing homelessness per week.