An author in Chalfont St Giles who came up with a new way for bookworms in the village to satisfy their appetite for reading has said he is delighted at how well it has been received.
A year ago Paul Waters put the blue book house on his fence in the village.
It’s a double-fronted small wooden house with see-though doors with books for young readers on the left and adults on the right.
It’s been going over a year, and passers-by and neighbours can choose a book to read and keep or pass on.
Paul said the book house began because he simply had too many books at home.
Paul explained: “I am a veracious reader and very keen on books but I had way too many and this seemed like a good way to share. It’s a cute thing to have and I hope it encourages reading. Even though it’s right on the street and unattended, it has never been damaged, which suggests that locals consider it a useful resource.
“It’s also free – not even donations – because most things cost money these days, it’s good to have exceptions. The only problem is that far from helping me diminish the number of books I have, people kindly donate to the book house. They don’t have to. I don’t ask them. But I occasionally open my front door to a pile of books on the mat.”
The book house was built by Mick Tilley in Seer Green and painted by Richard Verhoeven in Seer Green and Paul thanked both for their hard work.
He added: “It’s really snugly put together and has never leaked. It looks simple but it is extremely well made – that is all to their credit. The only problem is that far from helping me diminish the number of books I have, people kindly donate to the book house. They don’t have to. I don’t ask them. But I occasionally open my front door to a pile of books on the mat.”
“I’m really pleased because I want more people to read – not everyone feels they can spend money on it.”
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