What started as a nice way of getting more people reading books has bloomed into page-turning excitement.
Alanna Smith started a free library out the front of her Sunshine home as a way of connecting with her community – and in the space of three weeks she has been blown away by the response.
“I wasn’t sure how it would really go, the idea being to take a book and return it when you’re done, or take one and leave one,” she said. “But I spoke to an old lady who lives locally and can’t carry books with her groceries if she goes into Sunshine, and she was so appreciative so I knew it was a good idea.
“It’s been absolutely beautiful to hear how much people love it. I really hadn’t anticipated that.”
Ms Smith had a friend build the box and then filled half of it with her own books. She’s since received more books from community donations so she can rotate through what is out on display.
“I might need another level on top soon … my neighbour is now thinking of doing something similar.”
And while kids books have been by far the most popular, she said there was plenty of variety.
The library is at 117A Cornwall Road.
