A shared library. Libromat is just this: a place measuring 3 by 2.5 meters in which the shelves are full of books donated by anyone and which anyone can borrow or give as a gift. A bookcrossing point, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will be inaugurated on May 25th in Martina Franca (Taranto). The initiative belongs to the Riflessi d’Arte association which decided to convert a small room in via Arco Casavola, part of the Casa delle arti, into a book exchange space. «At the entrance we have placed a door with a reader that will read cards allowing those who are members to access the library – says the president of the association, Tonio Cantore -. Anyone who wants to participate in this bookcrossing project will be able to request the card at the association’s headquarters (next to Libromat), donating a small contribution.” As the name suggests, therefore, Libromat has the internal appearance of a bookshop and externally that of a bank: it is only possible to access it with a magnetic card. «The objective of our association through Libromat is to raise awareness of reading and sharing – continues Tonio Cantore -. We liked the idea of creating a library similar to the one at home, in which however we could exchange books not only with family and friends but also with strangers who share the same passion for reading. And above all we wanted people to be able to do it independently, at any time, in the time they need.”
Libromat is equipped with internet, contains chairs on which to sit so you can calmly choose or start reading and is automatically lit. «In the room there is also a noticeboard with post-it notes to allow anyone to leave messages or read those left by others. On the leaflets you can write advice, thoughts and reviews to share with your reader friends.” Libromat is an initiative that goes beyond the concept of bookcrossing and is unique in all of Puglia.
The inauguration of Libromat will be held on Saturday 25 May, at 7pm. «Bring a book with you and donate it. You will give the opportunity to increase our library for the community”, writes the Riflessi d’Arte association on social channels, inviting users to participate. The inauguration will be anticipated, at 5.30pm, by an interactive and reading moment for children aged 6 to 12 by the writer Antonella Colucci. To follow, however, The Hatching of Books with the writer Raffaello Mastrolonardo. «We are convinced that reading is one of the most enriching activities and we hope that Libromat can confirm the existence of a large and passionate community of readers», concludes Tonio Cantore.
