Reading between the lines

Docklands could become the focus for an innovative project which melds literature, heritage and transport.

The influential Committee for Melbourne’s Future Focus Group is proposing the idea of the “Melbourne Book Tram” which would be located on the now-disused tram tracks on the Harbour Esplanade waterfront.

The Future Focus Group is the committee’s incubator for future community leaders and the young people have conceptualised the book tram primarily as a free book exchange.

If the idea is successful, the group envisages extending the idea to the train and tram network to celebrate Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Its website explains: “A refurbished W-class tram will represent a public space in a developing region in Melbourne’s city dedicated to activities around books.”

“As a symbolic nexus of activity, the Book Tram will offer a book exchange base from which a range of additional services will radiate. Using the public transport system as inspiration, the Book Tram concept will spread book exchange trolleys across the train and tram network,

offering commuters books donated by publishers, libraries and Book Tram users.”

The group has recently approached VicUrban and the City of Melbourne for a reaction to its proposal.  No responses have so far been offered.