IS it a bright yellow birdhouse? Or a small cabinet for crockery?
No!
It is a miniature library stocked with books – children’s books, self-help books, novels and historical features. A variety of reads for young and old.
There is no membership and no late dues.
Take a book, return a book
The key is the books are always free and the motto is: take a book, return a book.” But only if possible.
This bright yellow library at Die Handelsmark Country Restaurant in Patensie is part of the Little Free Library, a non-profit movement to encourage residents to start libra-ries in their own neighbourhoods in a bid to spread literacy and share the love of reading.
It is the 94 387th Little Free Library in the world, and one of only five in South Africa – the first in the region.
As books are scarce in the area and there is no bookshop, The Little Free Library, made possible by the education non-profit organisation Youth Potential South Africa (YOUPSA) and Die Handelsmark, makes the sharing of books easy and brings people together.
“This Little Free Library belongs to the whole Gamtoos Valley community,” says Alexis Salaman, co-founder of YOUPSA.
“If you see a book you would like to read, you can take it home and then pass it on to a friend, or return it. The books are free and never for sale.
“Book-lovers are also welcome to leave a book there for others to take and enjoy.
“I am sure that this Little Free Library will bring a little more joy, a little more connection and a whole lot more books to our community.”
Help build a community
Die Handelsmark owner and bookworm, Nadia du Preez, says, “People can stop here, take a book and a coffee or snack on the go.
“The cafe also has a cosy outside area to relax, read, exchange books and socialise.
“My hope is that this little gem will help build the community, spark creativity and inspire reading in our neighbourhood. It will also give a welcome access to interesting books for visitors during this holiday season.”
More information
For more information, contact Salaman at 076 587 4422 or send an email to info@youpsa.org.
Alternatively, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.
- Die Handelsmark is situated at 21 Willowmore Road, Patensie.
