Catalyst Trust launched this community book swapping initiative in November 2016. As local media site Crux says “these tiny libraries are bringing joy and spreading knowledge wherever they appear”.
About the Lilliput Library Initiative
Based on a model set up by Dunedin’s Poems In The Waiting Room charity in 2015, these little boxes of literature bolster community and the opportunity to read and recycle loved books. People are invited to browse, borrow, take or leave a book. What’s not to love?
Our first two Lilliputs were installed on Kelvin Peninsula, sponsored by Kelvin Peninsula Community Association and painted by local artists. Already our network has grown to 12 Lilliputs around the district (see the map below) – with more on the way.
We have had fantastic support from Mitre 10 MEGA Queenstown, Queenstown Library and Resene – who provide materials, books and paint for all our libraries – and Landsker construction, who built 10 of them. The Taieri Blokes Shed team built our first two Lilliputs and Hugh Skinner is our current library builder. You can spot the unique Lilliput library built by a local family as a Christmas project with their grandad on one of our great bike trails.
Find Your Nearest Lilliput Library
Start Your Own Lilliput Library
None of this could happen without our guardians – the fabulous people who look after the Lilliputs. If you would like to be a guardian of a Lilliput library in your neighbourhood, please contact us through connect@catalystnz.org and we will let you know what is involved.
If you would like to check out the Dunedin Lilliput Library network, check out their Facebook or website.