The Footpath Library

The Footpath Library provides access to free, quality books and reading glasses and opportunities for social connection and inclusion via our volunteer-run mobile library outreach services for people experiencing or at risk of, homelessness in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Our mission is to encourage the benefits of reading, improve literacy and positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. We believe every person has a fundamental right to books and reading, regardless of their circumstances.

The Footpath Library has been operating for more than 20 years, and we are the only non-profit organisation in Australia that does what we do. Since we began, The Footpath Library has given more than 200,000 books to people experiencing homelessness.

In 2026, our priorities are to continue to run our 35+ mobile library services, extend our mobile libraries into new locations where there is high demand and need, and provide ‘Children’s Literacy Kits’ to children experiencing homelessness and living temporarily in crisis accommodation, women’s shelters or refuges, most commonly as a result of domestic and family violence. The kits are provided to children and young people to provide a sense of comfort, to continue to engage in literacy (when school is halted or disrupted), and an opportunity to engage in familiar and safe activities at a highly stressful and frightening time.

The Footpath Library receives no government funding and relies solely on the donations and in-kind support from individuals, businesses and grants from Trusts and Foundations.

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