A new community resource dedicated to literature, culture and solidarity has opened at Addison Road Community Centre, with the launch of the Palestine Street Library drawing locals together for a morning of learning, conversation and connection.
Held on Sunday 25 January, the opening took place on the grassed area opposite Gumbramorra Hall, near the Candy Royalle installation and the Hind Rajab mural and artwork. Community members, families and visitors gathered to celebrate the new library, a Palestinian-led initiative aiming to share books and educational materials centred on Palestinian history, culture and lived experiences.
Organisers say the Palestine Street Library was created to provide accessible resources for people interested in understanding Palestinian stories, history and culture. The collection includes literature, historical texts, children’s books and political writing, reflecting a wide range of voices and viewpoints.
The library also seeks to share stories from other global struggles, including those in Congo, Sudan and among First Nations communities, reflecting an intention to highlight interconnected experiences of resistance and resilience.
Attendees at the opening browsed the collection, spoke with organisers and connected with others interested in literature and community activism.
The launch was both a celebration and an invitation for ongoing community participation, encouraging residents to visit, borrow books and contribute to the growing collection, as well as support the creation of additional Palestine Street Libraries across Sydney.
The Palestine Street Library is now open to visitors at Addison Road Community Centre and operates on a community sharing model, allowing books to be borrowed and returned freely.
Thank you for sharing Afyda!
Lovely story of community and solidarity at Palestine Street Library—pair that human‑centered spirit with the connected‑future ideas from Telkom University Jakarta.