So it’s the DIY library

So it’s the DIY library

With no sign of the long-promised Docklands Library on the horizon, a group of Docklanders have started their own.

The Dock 5 owners corporation has started things off with up to 1000 books from the Athenaeum Library in Collins St.

Owners corporation chairman Denis Setches said the library idea stemmed from a survey of residents late last year.

“We put up a whole lot of ideas and the library idea scored very well,” he said.

As Denis was already a member of the Athenaeum Library, he progressed the idea there.  And he didn’t have to look far to do this either.

Athenaeum Library manager Allison Belcher is also a Dock 5 resident having downsized from a family home in West Melbourne about 18 months ago.

Ms Belcher considered the CBD, St Kilda Rd and Southbank before settling on Docklands.

“It’s just so central in Docklands,” she said. “We are only across the road from a post office, bank, dry cleaner, pharmacy and supermarket.”

While based on an initial rotating contribution from the Athenaeum, the Dock 5 library will be supplemented by residents’ own contributions.

“While the Athenaeum books will be signed in and out, the rest of it will work like a book and magazine exchange,” Mr Setches said.

The Athenaeum Library is Melbourne’s oldest and is renowned for its crime fiction collection.  But a mix of general fiction, crime fiction and non-fiction underpins the Dock 5 book cache.

Ms Belcher hopes the initiative will lead to similar arrangements with other buildings.

“The Athenaeum Library has looked for ways to connect with residents in the Docklands area,” she said. “Our library offers a warm and historic atmosphere.”

Annual membership of the Athenaeum Library starts at $75.

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