'Street library' at Riverina Early Learning Centre helps keep kids entertained during isolation

Diana Lajdes only opened her new business, Riverina Early Learning Centre, nine weeks ago and said the current crisis was the last thing she expected.

In an effort to keep her business running and help out her community, Mrs Lajdes decided to create a makeshift 'street library' out the front of the centre where parents could take their children and choose a book free of charge.

"I'm a mother of four myself, three are at primary school and my youngest comes to work with me at the centre, so I see first hand that they aren't really comprehending what's going on and why they can't go to school or the shops or to see their friends," Mrs Lajdes said.

"So we came up with this idea to give the kids a little bit of normality back."

Mrs Lajdes said something as simple as a book could work wonders for a child's mental health.

"Most kids like to read in some capacity, and it gives them a little escape or getaway from everything going on around them," she said.

The street library was created out of recycled wooden pallets with the help of Condron Constructions and Aston Blue. Those who take books are asked not to return them due to hygiene regulations, and to practice good hygiene measures when visiting the library.

"I'm so lucky to have the support of the community, in the nine short weeks I have been open, every single one of the families attending have been beautiful, they're willing to do whatever they have to to show their support," Mrs Lajdes said.

"When the coronavirus arrive in Wagga it was like a massive bombshell, it came down like a tonne of bricks so to have this support is just what we need."