However, Colleen, like many, prefers the feel of the book in her hands and would rather not read from a screen.
“I had a couple of books in my spare room, but I was worried that I didn't have much to read during the lockdown,” she said.
“I asked people and they generally advised ways to get books online. But I spoke to a lady and she asked if I'd considered setting up a community library.
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“So I just got a plastic tub and dropped a few flyers around the nearby streets, then we made a sign.
“I took a photo of the sign and also posted it to a few community pages on Facebook, and ever since we've had so many people coming by and getting books.
“People have said it was a great idea, and there is certainly demand for this type of thing in Benalla.”
Given the recent downpours, putting the books in plastic tubs with a sealed lid was a good idea.
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“I saw examples of other community libraries and people would use an old fridge or microwave to keep the weather out,” Colleen said.
“Some had even set up an old cupboard with glass doors. But I had these tubs which have worked well.”
Colleen said the concept was simple.
“People can just come and take books, or they can exchange books,” she said.
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“They can even just come and add books if they have any they have any they have already read.
“I had a man offer to drop me off six boxes of books recently and I said `sure, thank you'.
“Most people who use the library take five or six books, so it's good to have plenty extra to top it up.”
There are a variety of books of varying genres, which are suitable for various ages.
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“I did have a lady bring up a heap of kids’ books and we had some magazines in there,” Colleen said.
“I think the kids’ books went quickly. So if anyone has any more kids’ books they could drop off it would be good for local families.
“I just had a look through and we still have a few different genres like fiction and non-fiction.
“But I think one of the best things about a community library is it can encourage you to pick up books you might not normally read.
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“So you can end up reading things from different authors than you normally would. Or try reading a new genre.
“So it can broaden your horizons in respect of what you read.”
The community library is on the nature strip in front of 17 Goomalibee Rd, just around the corner from Coish Ave.
Colleen said it would be great if someone wanted to set up a second community library in another part of town to be accessible to more people.
“If anyone wants to do that I have a few extra books to get them started,” Colleen said.
● If that idea interests you, phone Colleen Fricke on 0407 784 250.
● For those of you who can't get over to Goomalibee Rd, Benalla Library is still open online and can be found at this link.
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