International Pen Pal Program

International pen pal program letterbox image

Are you looking for a friend far away?

Are you a big letter writer?

Have you always had a wish for a Pen Pal?

Bathurst Library is joining an International Pen Pal Program, and you can join. 

This program looks to connect participants through traditional letter writing, building literacy, community connection and cultural exchange.

For all ages!

How to join

To join the Bathurst Library Pen Pal Program, please enquire at the front desk for an intake form.

How It Works

This program is designed to be a self-paced communication portal facilitated by the library.

Participants will be matched with a Pen Pal at another library overseas.

Letters will be posted by the Bathurst participant to the other library for on-delivery to their Pen Pal. Letters from the Pen Pal will in turn be sent to Bathurst Library for local participants to collect.

You will need to send your letter via Australia Post to the Library address provided, your Pen Pal will send a reply to Bathurst Library for you to collect.

All participants will need to pay the cost of postage for the letters. The libraries assist only with matching participants and facilitating privacy of address details for both parties.

Bathurst Library encourages participants to send letters regularly and pick up replies in a timely manner. We ask that if you cannot continue the program, that you advise us as soon as possible so we can match your Pen Pal with another participant.

You must keep all correspondence respectful, but we ask that if you feel you are not agreeable or are having a personality clash, that you advise Bathurst Library so we may facilitate a new match for both participants.

Parental/guardian permission must be given for all children under the age of 16 years. Parents & guardians should assist their children to write a letter in a timely manner.

Parents must advise Bathurst Library of any concerns with their child’s Pen Pal or any issues that may arise.

If you and your Pen Pal decide to become private corresponders, we ask that you let us know so we can remove you from the worldwide database, or if you wish to have multiple Pen Pal’s please let us know.

  • You are responsible for sending your own letters at Australia Post
  • You are responsible for collecting your post from Bathurst Library
  • You are responsible for keeping communication frequent
  • You need to let us know of any issues
  • You need to let us know if you cannot continue, or choose to correspond privately

 

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