March 4, 2025

Meet Tomas Sanchez, Client Service Officer at Sydney CBD Campus

Meet Tomas, a member of the Campus Service Centre (CSC) team at UOW Sydney CBD Campus. Originally from Peru, Tomas is a proud father of two boys and has a deep passion for travel, especially off-the-beaten-path adventures. His love for books and community led him to create the Street Library and Book Exchange at the campus library.

What inspired you to start the Street Library and Book Exchange at the Sydney CBD Campus library?

It all started when I saw an initiative in my local community in the Inner West where I live.  Small "mini libraries," resembling little dollhouses, are set up in public spaces and gardens, filled with books that anyone can take.

When we moved to our new campus last year, I noticed many abandoned textbooks floating around. We collected them but weren't sure what to do with them.
It clicked when a fellow colleague reminded me that culturally, books aren’t just thrown away – they’re passed on. That’s when the idea of creating a street library on our Sydney CBD campus came to life. 

How do students use the Street Library?

It’s really simple and easy! The idea is: TAKE, LOOK, and SWAP books – no need to check them in or out like the regular library books. 

Students can take whatever book sparks their interest. When they are done, they can either return it to the Street Library or pass it on to friends – no pressure, nor any conditions.

The Street Library is located right opposite the printer in the library on Level 2. 

What kind of books are usually donated or exchanged?

The Street Library is organised into three sections:

• Textbooks 
• Non-textbooks
• Board games and puzzles (for some fun on campus) 

If you have a book or two you no longer need and think others might enjoy, donations are more than welcome! You can drop them off at the Campus Service Centre (attention to Tomas) to have a sticker placed on it so everyone knows it’s up for exchange.

What do you enjoy most about running the Street Library?

What I love most about running this Street Library at Sydney CBD Campus is the sense of community it fosters. Knowing that someone else will benefit from a book you no longer need – or read a novel you once loved – feels special. It’s all about sharing knowledge and stories with each other.

What would you say to students who haven’t yet taken part in the Street Library yet?

Come on down and have a look! You never know – there might be the perfect book waiting for you. And don’t forget, your old books could be exactly what someone else is looking for.

Whether you're taking a book or donating one, it's all about creating a little community of readers right here on campus. Every book exchanged is a chance to spread a little more knowledge and connect with others. So, take a quick stroll over and you might even find a new favourite read!