Just off the corner off of Kollwitzstrasse, on the watch-the-spelling ‘Sredzkistraße’ and within reach from the outside tables of the ever popular ‘Cafe Anna Blum’ one can find, what must surely be a unique find for any bibliophile or book lover – namely a free, help yourself book depository.
It takes the shape of some tree trunks that have been carpentered with deep squares boxes inside so books can be kept there – there is a clear plastic protective cover hinged at the top to keep out the rain and other inclement weather.
As one can see on the top foto, the covers work to keep out the inclement weather – however not enough to keep away the ever present cerebrally challenged stupid-graffiti miscreants of which Berlin has more than most cities. While not against good + creative graffiti – this is an example of destructive and mindless graffiti by illiterates.
Probably no scholar, student, or learned person who relies on specific reading material required in any one specific or more disciplines will make use of this ‘free-book-exchange’, however this democratic idea in itself is very exemplary and it seems from numerous visits that this project seems to be used and is well looked after and not abandoned.
You can see a YouTube video how it works -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI7h5fBHPfg
While not a replacement for libraries, bookstores or one’s own home bookshelves – the idea that one can contribute an extra book or lend a book without asking any questions 24 hrs a day everyday of the week – this is special.
This in the same city of Berlin which became infamous 80 years ago for the ominous significance of its famous ‘book-burning’ – the anti-intellectual ‘fire-of-hate’ outrage organized by the rat-like nazi Joseph Goebbels in May 1933.
The City of Berlin has not forgotten this event and today on Babel Platz, beside the ‘Berliner Staatsoper’ House and most unique and significant permanent monument has been placed.
Empty white bookshelves placed underground commemorate the book burning of 1933 in Berlin -
http://www.house42.com/2008/10/21/book-burning-memorial-berlin/
Tags: berlin book burning monument, Berlins Public ‘Please Help-yourself’ book exchange, book exchange
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