GEORGE NEWS - When Inneke Streicher visited a friend in Germany almost two years ago, she came across little structures all over several cities: little free libraries.
"As a keen reader since childhood, I immediately fell in love with the idea, but initially thought that something like this will never be able to work in South Africa," says Inneke. "That was until I stumbled across two of them in Hartenbos, and one in Stilbaai, I was instantly inspired."
Inneke bought an old apartment post box at a second-hand store for R50 and started the project. Just before Christmas, she and her dad, Pieter Streicher, erected George's first little free library at the main entrance to the Garden Route Botanical Garden, next to the Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre.
What is a little free library?
Book-exchange houses, or little free libraries, are free book-sharing boxes that are placed in communities to encourage reading.
The idea behind it is to provide access to books, especially for pensioners, who might not have excess money in a month to spend on reading material.
Anyone can take a book or leave a book in the box, and there's no rules to share a book in order to take one, although it is encouraged. These boxes operate on the honour system.
A book house can come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box.
The idea behind it is to provide access to books, especially for pensioners, who might not have excess money in a month to spend on reading material.
Anyone can take a book or leave a book in the box, and there's no rules to share a book in order to take one, although it is encouraged.
The mission of these little book exchange houses is to build a community, inspire readers (young and old), expand book access, further diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The little free library is made solely from repurposed materials, to make the project environmentally friendly and fun.
Positive contribution
"I thought it will be a positive contribution to the gardens in creating a little magical experience for children who stumble upon the tiny house, and adding an activity for others whilst visiting the gardens," says Inneke.
"I would also like to promote it amongst pensioners - who can access the gardens for free on a Wednesday. This makes it truly accessible, while also combating the problem of potential vandalism; as that the gardens are closed at night time."
The little free library is made solely from repurposed materials, to make the project environmentally friendly and fun, keeping the goal of sustainability in mind.
Inneke Streicher and her dad, Pieter Streicher, built and erected George's first little free library just before Christmas.
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