Through her charity, the Ash Barty Foundation (AB Foundation), the three-time Grand Slam singles champion has donated more than 16,000 books to libraries across Australia, including the Stretton Centre and Civic Centre libraries in Playford.

The books are now available to borrow and include the titles My Dream For You, the Little Ash series, and Tennis Camp Diaries: Doubles Disaster.

All books have been written by Ash in conjunction with authors Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said it was a great opportunity to encourage both reading and physical activity among Playford’s young people.

“The books donated by Ash Barty will inspire a love of reading in our community, encouraging people of all ages to explore new stories,” the Mayor said.

“At the same time, given Ash’s incredible athletic achievements, we hope the new books about her experiences in the tennis world will spark interest in readers to get out and get playing.”

Ash Barty’s presence in Playford includes an eye-catching mural at the Playford Tennis Centre, which was unveiled in 2023.

“Last year Council unveiled a mural as part of the City of Playford Tennis International (COPTI) that honours Ash Barty’s legendary career,” the Mayor said.

“It stands as a symbol of inspiration for Playford’s First Nation’s community, as well as for all local aspiring players.

“With COPTI’s return in October, we couldn’t have asked for a better time to be sharing these amazing books with our community — it goes to show how much of a force for positivity Ash Barty is, both on and off the court.”

Launched in January 2024, the AB Foundation's core purpose is to help inspire and provide more opportunities in the areas of sport and education for young Australians to follow their dreams.

“I loved reading as a young girl (I still love it now!), so the opportunity to get more children’s books into communities around Australia was something I jumped at. We are so lucky in Australia to have access to great education and libraries, but it’s important to continue to support these facilities to benefit everyone,” Ash said.

“I hope that reading these stories will inspire children to dream big and find out what they love to do.”

The books are now available to borrow at the Playford Library Service and can be requested online: HERE

Joining the Library Service is free; just bring current identification such as a driver’s license, proof of age, or health care card.

The City of Playford Tennis International will be held at the Playford Tennis Centre from Sunday 20 October until Sunday 27 October, including a free family-friendly Fun at the Finals Day on Sunday 27 October.