A popular free street library in Kendenup has distributed 1000 items to local residents in its first year.

The small weather-proof library box is located in the park between Kendenup Hall and the local store.

It has been in operation since December 2020 by the Mt Barker Public Library, and during this time 697 library books and DVDs have passed through it.

An additional 303 items have been donated and borrowed by members of the Kendenup community.

Street libraries are an international phenomenon that give communities free access to books. There are more than 200 registered in WA through Street Library Australia.

Mt Barker Public Library manager of library and information services Nicole Selesnew said the Kendenup street library gave people access library services without going into Mt Barker.

“We don’t have the resources or capacity to have little outlet branches, so the Kendenup little free library was the next best option for us,” she said.

Ms Selesnew said people in Kendenup found the little library a “fun convenience” and some had been putting in book requests.

“A lot of families up there have limited access to transport.

“A parent might take the car to work so the kids and other family members are stuck at home, so it gives them something they can do.

“A lot of families don’t have a lot of space for hordes of books . . . you can go and clean out the box, and read the books, and put them back in.”

Library officer Christina Jones organises the resources for the little library, and a volunteer travels to Kendenup once a week to deliver the books and refresh the supply.

Ms Selesnew said: “People like her are just fantastic, and that’s really enabled a feel-good service to happen.”