The footpath library is a concept being used world-wide to provide reading material free of charge to the community and the Rotary club want to target those who are rough sleeping or living on the streets.

Ian Simpson a member of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise said the program has just started and will continue on a three month trial.

“We are exploring whether there is demand for a footpath library in the Port Macquarie region by connecting with existing homeless services including Orange Sky Laundry,” Mr Simpson said.

“At this stage we have no idea how many people will use the service or even what kinds of reading materials people are looking for but that is why we have this trial to see if it will be beneficial for people.

“As well as connecting with Orange Sky Laundry we are hoping to join in with other organisations who help the homeless like the Soup Kitchen and Vinnies Night Patrol and see if books there would also be a good thing.”

Mr Simpson said after the trial the project will be on a demand driven basis.

“We will be waiting to get feedback on if the project is viable long term and if it is we hope it will continue long into the future,” he said.

“We have also said there is no obligation of those who take a book to bring it back but we hope going through services that are already doing great work in the community we can help foster that sense of community helping the community.”

Carly Bullard vehicle manager for Orange Sky Laundry Mid North Coast said the group are excited about what this collaboration could mean.

“Orange Sky Laundry is more than happy to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and when we put the donated books out on Saturday we have a great deal of interest straight away so hopefully that continues,” Miss Bullard said.

“Days are long and if any of our friends doing it tough don't have something planned for the day, a book can keep them occupied and even into an escape back to childhood memories with some of the comics.

“The project is encouraging and I think we are all keen to see how it goes at other shifts and into the future.”