“Lots of people like reading, but books are really expensive. I thought, what’s a sustainable way to provide books to people in the long term?”

This was the question of Year 11 ākonga Iona Slater, a member of the TGC Community Committee and creator of TGC’s Little Library. A passionate reader and budding philanthropist, Iona has been working on bringing the Little Library to life alongside Community Prefects Rose Bruning and Jena Opie.

After seeing little libraries overseas in the UK and in several locations around New Zealand, Iona was inspired to bring the concept of a little library to TGC. The purpose of the Little Library is to allow students to borrow books at their leisure without feeling constrained by the time limits that are usually associated with library books. Students can borrow, donate and swap books whenever they like, and can even keep the books if they’d like to, entirely free of charge.

“It’s about providing books for people who can’t afford them, or who would like to read but can’t access it,” says Iona.

“I’m so stoked about people wanting to share their joy for reading with others,” says Rose.

An important aspect of the Little Library was to provide books suitable for all reading levels, from children’s books to advanced novels. “There are books for all reading levels so even if people aren’t confident readers, they can still participate,” says Iona.

All of the books available have been kindly donated by students, staff, and local libraries and bookstores. Donations were so plentiful that there are now several full boxes in storage, waiting until the Little Library shelves need a top-up. If students, staff or whānau would like to make further donations, they are always welcome - perhaps there will even be a book waiting for you to take home in exchange!

It’s fantastic to see these student-led community initiatives coming to life in our kura. The Tauranga Girls’ College Little Library will be permanently situated on the elevated grass bank near F Block and is open to all ākonga and staff. Congratulations Iona, Rose and Jena for all of your hard mahi!