By Danielle Kutchel
On a quiet street in old Berwick, a book exchange is keeping locals well-read over lockdown.
Wilson Street resident Barry set up the mini-library outside his unit in early 2020 to make use of the books that he and his wife Glenys had accumulated over the years.
“Rather than throw them out, I thought others might like to read them,” Barry explained.
He filled the fridge with the old tomes and painted the side with an outback scene inspired by the couple’s travels through the outback – also making use of his painting skills, which he hones as part of the Berwick Artists Society.
It wasn’t long before passers-by began to take interest in the book exchange, some keeping the books and others replacing them with new items.
Barry said there is now a regular changeover of novels, biographies, kids’ books and even the odd classic; he recently enjoyed reading The Count of Monte Cristo.
“During Covid shutdowns it’s nice to have something different to read when the choice is there,” Barry said.
Find the book exchange on Wilson Street in Berwick.
