He was a man of boundless knowledge who died with a book in his hands.
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The late Bill Cummins, who was passionate about both the protection and education of children, would no doubt love the idea of the street library in Paterson which honours his legacy.
The Paterson Pelican Bookery at the school of arts hall where people can both borrow and drop off books, is specifically for children's books.
The Paterson Progress Association's president Mark Walker read about the benefit of reading to children in a Dungog Chronicle article last year.
He thought a street library was a project the association could take on.
The members agreed and the association purchased their library from the Street Library Association which was designed and made by Men's Shed volunteers in Sydney.
While the product comes "raw" the association's honorary secretary Zoltan Lyall's weekly tennis game with artist John Adams helped formulate a plan.
"John is a former art teacher and he thought it would be something he'd like to be involved in," said Mr Lyall.
"John looked around the area for inspiration and saw all the pelicans around town and then came the idea to dedicate it to Bill Cummins."
Bill, a sheet metal fabricator with an artistic bent, donated countless artworks, many with a mathematical slant, to the community. He passed away in October last year and is renowed for the metal pelicans dotted around town topping everything from the butcher shop to the police station.
The Progress Association contacted Bill's family who were pleased to have the library dedicated to Bill and a plaque reads: "In memory of Bill Cummins, an avid reader of books, a true character and valuable thread in the fabric of community."
"The School of Arts hall is a main meeting point for people and there's also the consideration that the verandah keeps the rain off," said Zoltan.
Do you know where all 64 of the pelicans are?
The hint is to look up but if you're still struggling this Flickr compilation online thanks to the work of photographer John Lechner will give you a few more clues.
