Book nook is back in business

A popular Moreton Bay street library, which was forced to close last month, is now “back in business”.

Melissa Forbes had to take down the Maine Road Book Nook within weeks of opening outside her house in Clontarf.

Following a complaint to Moreton Bay City Council, it was discovered the original position needed an application for Alternation of Public Land Local Law.

Melissa also had to have proof of Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million for her library by the Beedham St bus stop.

However, by mounting the street library on her front garden fence, Melissa has been able to reopen the library, now renamed the “Illegal Book Box”.

“I wasn’t given a specific workaround, just told my permit application was denied as the original placement wasn’t an accepted alteration,” Melissa said.

“Moving it to the fence was the easiest alternative, so I decided to embrace the chaos and give it a little rebrand in the process!

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared kind words, signed the petition, offered to help, or simply stopped to swap a book.

“I'm so glad to keep this little community hub alive! So come by, give a book, take a book, and enjoy this now fully compliant book box.”

The move has been greeted with delight on Facebook, with pledges to visit and offers of books to help stock the library’s shelves.

Grant Brady posted: “Excellent result. Terrific for the community” while Tracey de Lange added: “I’ve got a box of kids’ books if you would like them for the library?

Lynne Buglar commented: “I am so pleased to see your library back. I noticed it each time I drove up my street and turned into Maine Rd.

“I thought it was a shame it was found to be in the wrong position. I'm so glad you didn't give up. The present position is great.”

Gabrielle Davies said: “This is such great news. I will definitely stop by and browse,” as will Cheryl Timms who said: “Wow, meant to check this before, best I take a walk and have a look.”