City of Solingen introduces new "Book Cell" in the Böckerhof district
Community-Led Library Thrives in Solingen's Böckerhof Settlement
In the heart of Solingen's Böckerhof settlement, a vibrant social and educational hub has taken shape. A group of dedicated residents, backed by the Spar- und Bauverein Solingen (SBV), have transformed a shared space into a welcoming local library catering to diverse needs.
The new "book cell" was inaugurated in mid-November, marking the culmination of a grassroots effort that began in earnest in 2020. The initiative, championed by Edeltraut Krüger, saw the repurposing of an old telephone booth into a protected space for books. This transformation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the association "Wohnen in Gemeinschaft e.V." and the SBV's own operations.
The library is run by a volunteer team, including Angelika Nowotka from "Wohnen in Gemeinschaft e.V.", Marie Therese Bertram, Ruth Hansen, Susanne Oehler, Susanne Kappner, and other community members. They handle tasks such as cataloguing books, organising events, and welcoming visitors, fostering a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
The library's collection is carefully curated to include books for children, teenagers, and adults, ensuring accessibility and interest for all age groups in the community. The SBV members have shown particular interest in catering to the children of the nearby kindergarten and primary school.
The library is supported through donations of books and funds from community members and local organisations, helping maintain and expand its resources. Regular events and programs, such as readings, workshops, and cultural activities, are held to engage different age groups and encourage literacy and lifelong learning.
Residents work together to keep the space clean, welcoming, and functional, reinforcing community ties. The group's aim is to provide a locally available offer of readable material for the residents of Böckerhof.
Roland Bak, a board member of the SBV, expressed delight at the commitment from the members. Paul Westeppe, the district mayor, was also present at the inauguration and has advocated for the installation of the "book cell". Erwin Kohnke, an SBV board member who lives in the Böckerhof settlement, attended the inauguration.
Notably, a similar "book cabinet" has existed in the Weegerhof settlement on Hermann-Meyer-Straße since 2020. The success of these community-led initiatives underscores the power of collaboration and grassroots organisation in fostering a thriving community spirit.
- Indulging in their new home-and-garden section, Angelika Nowotka and other volunteers at the community-led library in Böckerhof settlement ensure a diverse selection of books catering to green thumbs and horticulture enthusiasts.
- The library in Solingen's Böckerhof settlement not only provides a vast variety of literature for adults, teenagers, and children, but also sets a unique lifestyle example by promoting lifelong learning and reading culture within the community.
