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Relaying this passion project with an enthusiasm that was infectious, this spirited 62-year-old said the idea for it had burst forth on Mandela Day (18 July) last year. It was a spark ignited by Lisa Starr, the dynamic driver behind the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (Hoam), who wrote of possibilities for this unused post box on social media. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This inspired the Thiarts to take it further, reaching out to the media to propel the precious project into action and into well-deserved prominence. Distinguished local journalist Julian Jansen started the ball rolling by seeing the well-known landmark as a fitting refuge for several titles from his own collection.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old letterbox is now suitably repurposed and serves as a fully-functional street library. Of this nascent literary treasure Sanette said: “We live in Melkbaai Street and walked past the post box every day on our way to the beach. It was a good beacon to direct visitors to our home, yet it was in a sad state of repair, no longer red and quite an eyesore. We decided to do something about it. We started by disinfecting it, scraping and treating it for rust and then it was repainted red. Then we came up with the idea to repurpose it by turning it into a street library accessible to all. In this way we could make a difference in our immediate environment. As we had recently relocated to Strand, it was also an opportunity to integrate into the local community quickly and easily.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What’s more, she said, the post box’s location on the corner of Melkbaai Street and Beach Road, with its constant stream of curious passersby was unique; many naturally pause to peek on their promenade perambles. It’s just minutes from the Thiarts’ doorstep, so they easily monitor, maintain and replenish the book collection at will or when necessary.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n