Bel Ombre launches community book club |22 February 2024

Some of the book on display (Photo: Contributed)

In a bid to foster a love for reading and learning among its residents, Bel Ombre has inaugurated its very own book club.

Nestled within the Bel Ombre district community centre, this initiative promises to be a hub of literary delight for parents and children alike.

The official unveiling took place on Thursday February 15, 2024, drawing a crowd that included the member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Bel Ombre, Honourable Sandy Arrisol, district administrator Tahiri Laurencine, sponsors, parents, and eager young readers from the Bel Ombre community.

"This came about after I had made the observation that children do not read as much as before. Together with the DA, we came up with this book club," shared Marie-Eleonore Scharfenberg, a resident of Bel Ombre and a driving force behind the project.

Having experienced the transformative power of books firsthand, Ms Scharfenberg envisioned a space where children could immerse themselves in reading, play, and study comfortably.

The transformation of a once-utilitarian storage area into a vibrant library corner epitomises the community's commitment to making the most of its resources.

 "Our aim is to ensure that everyone – old, young, and in-between – gets the most out of the Bel Ombre community centre," remarked district administrator Tahiri Laurencine.

The book club, open every Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning for now, will also extend its services during school holidays, catering to the diverse needs of its users.

The collection comprises predominantly donated new and second-hand books, as well as board games, toys and educational materials.

For Samuel Pillay, a father of two, the book club evokes fond memories of his own library adventures as a young student. "It reminds me of my library-going days," he reminisced.

His children, Alize Pillay, 8, and Scott Pillay, 5, both avid readers, eagerly anticipate exploring the shelves.

Gratitude was expressed to the generous sponsors, including Hilton Labriz Gastro Lounge and the proprietor of Bodhie, whose contributions helped bring the book blub to fruition.

With its doors wide open, the book club invites residents to embark on countless adventures between the pages of a book, fostering imagination, curiosity, and a sense of community spirit.

Contributed by the Ministry of Local of Government and Community Affairs