It started with a love for books. My mum and I are both bookworms and decided we wanted to let others share in our happiness!! Over the course of a few months, I hand-painted every inch of the box—each stroke a labour of love, each colour chosen to brighten the street and invite curiosity, each painting carefully selected from my childhood memories. Slowly, it transformed from just a box into a little community gem, a piece of public art in its own right.
People started stopping me, often with a smile, to tell me how lovely it was. Sometimes they’d ask about the books or share their favorite reads. I quickly realised it wasn’t just a library; it was a place where conversations started, where neighbours connected over stories. Like an art piece that invited interaction, the box became a little hub of joy, a spot that sparked daily moments of connection.
I make it a point to regularly restock it. If it’s empty, I’m there—filling it with fresh finds, keeping it vibrant. But more often than not, it’s never bare for long. The community takes care of it, loves it, shares it. It’s become a beloved part of the street, a shared space that’s always there for the next reader, the next visitor, the next story. Every time I pass, I smile, knowing it’s more than just books—it’s a part of the fabric of our neighbourhood.
