By Marcus Uhe
Clyde North resident Helen Rogers is encouraging reading in the Meridian Estate through the establishment of a free Book Swap.
The Meridian Estate Little Free Library is welcoming all kinds of contributions from all genres, languages and styles.
The rules of the swap are simple; borrow a title if you like what you see, leave one if you think someone else would like to read it, and return or pass it to a friend when you’ve completed it.
An avid reader herself, she drew inspiration for the idea from childhood memories and experiences with her grandmother.
“We already had a book sharing group within the family,” Ms Rogers said. “We used to go on family holidays and my Nana would buy books from the Queenscliff library.”
“My 10-year-old has put some of her books out and she’s so excited to see what people will contribute.”
As an early childhood educator, Ms Rogers is hoping that the shared literature will benefit those in the community whose first language is not English.
Titles from Bryce Courtenay, one of Ms Rogers’ personal favourites, are among the volumes currently occupying the shelves, along with her daughters’ collection of the ‘Captain Underpants’ and ‘Juliet nearly a Vet’ series.
The library is currently located on the front deck of Ms Rogers’ property, under shelter from the elements and available to access at all times, with no requirement to knock on the door or ask for permission.
As well as welcoming paperback donations, offerings of materials in order to weatherproof the unit would also be appreciated, in order to move it to the footpath to facilitate easier access.
You can borrow from or contribute to the library at 41 Scenery Drive, Clyde North, or join the Facebook group to stay up to date with new titles at facebook.com/groups/meridianfreelibrary/
