The stocks in the little teen lit street library at 100 Valley Road, Hazelbrook, have recently surged with everything from Roald Dahl, to Enid Blyton, Dr Seuss and a few on witchcraft.
Library manager and former IT consultant Rhys Jones built the library for children and teenagers in January, because he wanted to encourage kids to get off their gadgets and pick up a book.
The 72-year-old grandfather of five started his collection with his own books, then bought up big at Lawson Primary School's fete. Soon after friends donated their own leftover tomes but stocks quickly ran low.
"I'd seen a few of these street libraries around the area but they all have murder mysteries," he said.
"I wanted to encourage kids to read. Unfortunately kids are too busy on Gameboys ... shooting each other ... on smart phones. Gadgets are ruling kids' lives ... and there's so much to be learned by reading books, it gives you a whole different adventure."
Last month after an extended holiday the shelves in his library were bare and Mr Jones asked councillor Romola Hollywood to step in.
"I had virtually no books," he said. "I just told her [Cr Hollywood] the library was there and aimed at kids, and it would be a good idea if the library does decide to cull their books ... this is an ideal opportunity to get the books to the community."
Since then council has passed along a box with 20 books which Mr and Mrs Jones are "cycling through". Plans are in place to supplement other Mountains street libraries if needed.
"I've been told if we want any more to let them know," Mr Jones said. "It's fabulous."
Cr Hollywood said street libraries fall into the category of a recognised social organisation, which means surplus books for young adults could be donated and re-used to stock up street libraries, including the one in Hazelbrook. Off the back of this request, council is now promoting street libraries as part of its next library book sale.
"Thanks to a simple request from Mr Jones, we have found a way to support the growing street library movement which aims to foster people's love and interest in books and reading," she said.
Mr Jones said as a child he didn't hit the books but he is doing everything he can to encourage his neighbourhood's children, and his own grandchildren, to read.
"I hated reading as a kid and I regret it. I'd like to give kids the best opportunity. I'm not surprised by council's decision. Council is very proactive at the moment. I'm very pleased."
Cr Hollywood is the councillor representative to the NSW Public Libraries Association and has been vice president of the Association since 2016. Funding was recently increased to local libraries through the Renew our Libraries campaign, she said.