Canberra real estate agent brings the gift of books to schools

Ernest Hemingway once said: “There is no friend as loyal as a book,” and thanks to a Canberra real estate agent, children across Tuggeranong primary schools will be able to make many new loyal friends.

Independent Property Group Tuggeranong agent Jarryd Kirchner has teamed up with OHomes director Joseph O’Callaghan to deliver community book exchanges to schools.

The concept is simple, children are encouraged to drop old books into a box and swap it for a new one.

“It was a concept Joe and I picked up from different communities down the coast, and we thought it would be nice to adapt a program for Canberra schools,” said Mr Kirchner

“Given the relationship I have with a few schools in Tuggeranong, I reached out to them and they were very keen to get on board.”

Mr O’Callaghan designed and built the boxes, shaped like a house, that currently feature in Gilmore Primary School and Wanniassa Primary School.

“The concept has been designed to create a space to provide shared learning, and the shape is to represent a home as a safe haven for shared learning and shows our relationship between the community and business,” he said.

“Teachers have told me it’s been very well received by the children, they are stopping at boxes and swapping books before and after school and encouraging their parents to come and help them choose books.”

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Mr Kirchner said his motivation came from both an interest in reading and a desire to help the community.

“I’ve always been interested in reading and as a child I often found it challenging at times to get involved with reading,” he said.

“For me it was a way I could give back to the community, I am a big believer in what you give out is what you get back.”

The program is set to expand.

“We have a few more planned in Tuggeranong and plans to expand outside of the region as well,” he said.

“It’s something that is going to grow and if anyone wants to reach out and get involved they can.”

If your school would like to get involved you can find Jarryd’s contact details here.