THOSE who have trouble returning borrowed books can grab guilt-free read from outside the Cleveland library.
But it is not entirely without a cost – a book must be given in exchange.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said it was all part of the Little Free Library concept, which is aimed at inspiring readers to leave their mobile devices alone to enjoy a page-turner.
“It has a very clear call to action to put away your smart phones and tablets, and get stuck into a good old-fashioned book,” the spokesperson said.
The beach hut book shelving unit was installed near Capalaba man Dan Ling’s donated piano to help spruce up Cleveland’s CBD as part of a seven day makeover.
But Mayor Karen Williams said it also serve another purpose – to help transition libraries from book and information resource centres to community hubs.
“Gone are the days of a stern librarian peering over the top of her glasses, shushing anyone who dares to raise their voice above a whisper,” she said.
“We now actively encourage community interaction in our libraries.”
