A new free book exchange in Makhanda’s local botanical gardens will support a community of bookworms!
Grahamstown, South Africa (21 July 2026) – Makhanda’s Makana Botanical Gardens has turned a leaf to a new chapter, as visitors now have a free Community Book Exchange library to enjoy!
The library was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset, who provided the wooden community bookshelf.
The donation was received by Friends of Bots, a group that supports the stewardship of the local botanical gardens through advocacy, volunteering & fundraising.
Over the past weeks, volunteers helped dig the foundations for the outdoor library, which features a glass door and slanted top to protect against water run-off on rainy days, as well as weatherproof coating.
This week, the community gathered for the launch of the book exchange. A variety of books for kids and adults are already ready for swapping!
“The Community Book Exchange is officially open! The first books all got Friends of Bots stickers in them so we can track their journeys.” the group shared. “Thank you to the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset for donating the bookshelf, to Friends of Bots for funding the installation and to all those who have and will continue to donate books.”
The bookshelf has been installed near the entrance of the Makana Botanical Gardens and is open to all. The only rule is that if you take a book, make sure you swap it out with another.
We love seeing initiatives like this that get the whole community reading and giving back. It’s such a simple idea, but it means so much – a book for a book, and a shelf that never stops giving.
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