CAPALABA resident Lorraine Halse – known for her fairy persona and artistic face and body painting – has opened a community street library in her front garden.
Set alongside brightly coloured toadstools, herbs and fruit, the little library is for children’s books and help-guides for parents.
Books can be returned, passed on or shared with others. They do not need to be checked in or out.
Ms Halse, or Fairy Raine from Fairy Lane, was joined by author Katrina Logan to unveil the library on Saturday.
“In the 24 years I have been Fairy Raine I have shared many stories with children,” Ms Halse said.
“I want to make sure children keep reading on paper, not just on screens.”
Ms Logan said she first came across a street library about 20 years ago.
“I have four kids myself and I know how hard it is to get children off screens,” she said.
Ms Halse said children were welcome to enjoy the garden next to the library.
“There are scissors in a basket near the front door to cut a piece of rosemary for your roast or a piece of lavender to put in your kitchen,” she said.
“Kids can play in the garden, smell the flowers and taste the herbs.
“They can have a lot of fun in our front yard.”
Ms Halse said she had named the library Serendipity because “you never know what you might find inside”.
Fairy Raine has brought joy to many children across the Redlands for years.
She does face and body painting, entering into local and international competitions.
At Christmas time, she is often found dressed up as Mrs Claus and accompanied by Santa K, also known as Ms Halse’s husband Kevin Smith.
Fairy Raine’s Fairy Lane garden and street library is on Sylvia Court, Capalaba.