Filled with books, the boxes beckon neighbours, shoppers and passersby to stop and browse the ever-changing selection of novels, fishing guides, biographies and children's books. 

The books are free to borrow and can be returned or exchanged for another book. 

The Bawley Book Exchange is the idea of resident Barbara Bee, who humbly states they are a “community effort”.   

“The blue box is for adults and the red one for children,” she said. 

“Reading and books are so important, but we are a good 20 kilometres from Ulladulla Library and there is a mobile library that comes here, however it’s very hard to access.”

Once the service is up and running, Dr Bee plans to start a Facebook page so residents can make requests for swaps. She said there was already a request made for the Biggles series.

These “tiny libraries” are springing up all over the world, all with the same aim – to make books freely available to everyone in the community, rich or poor.

“The only condition is the books are in good condition,” Dr Bee said.

“This is especially important for the children's box – no torn or scribbled pages that would dismay the next borrower.” 

The Bawley Book Exchange is a community project with many hands helping to see Dr Bee’s dream realised.

“Thanks are due to everyone who has contributed and participated,” she said. 

The Men's Shed in Ulladulla designed, built and painted the two sturdy and weatherproof book boxes and members from the Murramarang Men's Shed attached the square boxes to round poles. 

Daryl Leslight provided the land for the boxes to be installed on for free and Tracey See assisted with advice, support and administration. 

“Hopefully, the book exchange will help book lovers foster friendships as they meet to swap and talk about their choices over a cup of coffee,” Dr Bee said. 

“The boxes are at a picnic area so my hope is people can sit down and the kids can play while they pick a book.”