Book lovers have a new place to browse in Bethlehem, thanks to two handy Lions members who have turned an idea into a community asset.

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions members Ron Stephens, 88, and Bernie Allen, 79, have built and installed a new community book exchange outside the Bethlehem Community Church at 183 Moffat Rd.

Installed the week of July 21-25, the weatherproof timber cabinet is about the size of a traditional phone box and can hold about 150 books.

Built with shelves, a roof and a glass door, it was designed to keep books dry while making it easy for people to borrow and donate titles.

The idea came from Allen, who approached the church seeking permission to create a book exchange on its grounds.

“I thought it would be a good idea,” he said. “The church said they’d discuss it at their next meeting and, while I was away in Australia, they gave us the go-ahead.”

From there, Stephens designed the structure, making use of reclaimed materials the Lions had sourced.

“We got second-hand cladding and a donated door from Lion Ian Calvert and it evolved from there,” Stephens said.

Hiccups overcome

The pair built the book exchange in Stephens’ workshop, although construction took longer than expected after he spent several days in hospital with high blood pressure.

“My wife wouldn’t let me do more than two or three hours at a time after that,” Stephens said with a laugh.

Installing the completed structure proved another challenge.

McLeod Cranes generously donated its services, delivering the book exchange from Stephens’ home in Cherrywood to Bethlehem. On arrival at Moffat Rd, because overhead powerlines prevented direct access, a crane lifted it over the community garden before Lions members carefully manoeuvred it into its final position.

The shelves can hold about 150 books. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The project used about $600 worth of timber, screws and other materials, much of it funded by Bethlehem Te Puna Lions members.

Bring and take

The response has been immediate, the men said. People were dropping off bags of books while finishing touches were being completed and within hours, the shelves were already well used.

“It was chock-full,” Allen said. “When we checked later, a lot of books had already gone.”

Situated alongside the Bethlehem Community Garden and vegetable stand, the book exchange added another way for neighbours to connect and share with one another.

Allen, who turns 80 this year, jokes he’ll soon receive his “OBE” – “Over Bloody Eighty” – while Stephens, at 89, is pleased to have helped create another lasting project for the community.

With books changing hands daily, the pair hope the little library will become a well-loved feature for readers of all ages for years to come and that the community embrace the spirit of it.

“It’s a book exchange,” Allen said. “Bring a book, take a book.”