Branxholm’s book exchange

• Angelina Hemphill has built a communal library for all to enjoy in Branxholm.

November 15, 2022

Cultivating a spirit of generosity and a love of reading, owners of the Tin Timbers Café in Branxholm have built a communal library for all to enjoy.

Dubbed the Branxholm Book Swap, the freshly pained letterbox styled space allows residents and tourists to exchange books of all kinds from novels, children’s stories, and colouring in.

Owner Angelina Hemphill said it was one of their customers who came up with the idea.

“We loved it and then commissioned a local Legerwood lady Jo Burns to build it,” she said.

The book swap was installed to the left of the shop in clear view a few weeks ago and stocked full of books for people to enjoy.

“We ask if you take one, you put one back too to help keep it full and a nice turnover of content to share.

“There are colouring in books in there and a whole pile of Tasmanian maps. These are mainly for the travellers passing through.

“But also, travellers might not have had space in their luggage to bring books but still want to read so now they can.”

Mrs Hemphill said she loves the community, and it feels nice to give back in a small way.

“We hope that people won’t throw their books out and instead will share them here for others to enjoy.

“You might be doing a clean out and we have just the space for your pre-loved books.”

The communal library is open daily from 10am until 4pm at 2 Stoke Street, Branxholm.

Book exchanges are popular across the globe for building stronger, more connected communities through sharing, trust, and openness.