Reading revolution in Craighall Park

The past few weeks, the Craighall Park local community could not stop talking about the ‘bright spark’ who lives in Lancaster Road, who quietly started a reading revolution in her neighbourhood.

When you browse through a synopsis of Liz Delmont’s impressive academic and employment history, you realise that the title ‘bright spark’ isn’t used flippantly either. It is hard to miss the fact that she is an accomplished academic.

Delmont, however, insists that she is a book lover, first and foremost. She also proved this point with the very first words she uttered after the usual introductions. “Reading matters,” she said.

She recently placed the brightly coloured Book Box, filled with quality books, on the grassy pavement outside her home.

“Although my emphasis is on children’s books – from tiny tots to teenagers – the box is home to some books for grown-ups as well. Ideally, we would also love to have more cardboard books for younger children.

“We have had lots of reaction from the community. Children’s books and books for teenagers are the most popular.”

Delmont admits that the Book Box it is not her ‘brilliant brainwave’. She saw the idea at The Wilds and then spoke to Derick Smith, the person who runs it. “Derick also provides a lot of books for the Book Box.”

Want to share your thoughts? Email ingridp@caxton.co.za