In the middle of Berryfields, a tiny replica of a house perched on top of an old Singer sewing-machine table is now home to a free community library.
Dominique Heath has been brewing the idea for some time to have a library where the community could pick up and drop off books to read.
It was inspired by her memory of big old fridge in Christchurch that was filled with books for the community, and being an avid reader, she wanted to do the same.
“The area has heaps going on, but it didn’t have a wee library. The whole concept is you bring a book and take a book. It’s encouraging a community kind of feel, too.”
The library was in the pipeline a couple of years ago, but two-year-old twins and a six-year-old have kept Dominique and her husband Dan busy until they were finally able to finish the tiny library and paint it to match their house.
Among the books already dropped off to fill the library she has had a signed copy of Paul Holmes’ book and a Bridgerton book of the popular TV show, which is on her list to read.
“It’s a prequel and I was so excited because I get to read it.”
Children’s books are among the mix behind the glass windows in the library, and though Dominique reads aloud to her kids, she says they are a bit busy to sit and listen.
Episode 15 - “I want to be New Zealand’s biggest company.” — The Nelson Pod
“No-one wants to sit still in my home, so when I read to the kids they just hop around me.”
Dominique now plans to have a “grand opening” for the library at 10am on Sunday, 17 September, which just happens to be both Dominique and Dan’s birthday.
The opening will even have a coffee cart so that the community can browse the library and meet others in their neighbourhood.
