As you stroll through your neighborhood, you might see it: a small wooden cabinet on a fence or by a front door, filled with books. This is a mini library – a free book exchange where everyone is welcome. The concept has been spreading throughout the Netherlands in recent years, from large cities to small villages.
What is a mini library?
A mini library is exactly what the name suggests: a mini-library. No passes, no fines, no culture of silence. Just a nice little box, somewhere in a front garden, on a school wall, or at a sports club. And inside? Books. For you, for me, for everyone. You can borrow, swap, leave, or simply take whatever appeals to you. From children's books to thrillers, from cookbooks to poetry, you never know what you'll find, and that makes it even more fun.
Why is a mini library so special?
Because it's all about sharing. And how wonderful would it be if sharing became the new having?! A mini library isn't a completely anonymous space, but a cheerful sign that your neighborhood is okay and safe enough for something as simple as a bookcase. It's that one neighbor who entrusts you with a stack of old cookbooks without you even knowing her. It's a child who leaves behind their first AVI books so another can learn to read with pleasure. And it's that one novel you pull out on a rainy Sunday that gives you exactly what you need at that moment.
We found this mini library ourselves in Domaine de Radhadesh in Château de Petite Somme near Durbuy - read more here >10 reasons why Belgium is the perfect holiday destination
How did the mini library come into being?
At a time when libraries are disappearing and bookstores are closing, people decided to take matters into their own hands. Because letting books gather dust is just such a waste. That's how the idea for the mini library was born, and during the coronavirus pandemic, its numbers grew exponentially—a grassroots initiative with a heart . Just like car sharing, plant swapping, or cooking together for the neighborhood, it's a wonderful example of how something small can make a big difference.
Want to start your own mini library?
Want to join in? It's easy to get started. An old cupboard, a lick of paint, a waterproof spot... and voilà, your very own mini library is born. Hang it on your fence, put it next to your front door, or give it a spot at work. All you need is a few books. And who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone else to get started too. Check out Minibieb.nl.
So... what do you do with the books you read?
Share them! Let them wander, surprise someone, and even explore a mini library near you. There's a good chance you'll go home with an unexpected treasure.
💬 Tell us, do you have a favorite mini library in your neighborhood? Let us know! We'd love to hear your discoveries and stories.
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