Book exchange, damaged in suspected arson, has been restored
The importance of book exchange centers has grown amid the coronavirus outbreak in Israel with communal libraries being shuttered.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFThe free book exchange that was burned down in October is restored.(photo credit: JERUSALEM MUNICIPALITY)
The free book exchange that was burned down in October has been restored, a Jerusalem municipality spokesperson announced on Thursday.The restoration included replacing the exchange's entire structure, installing security cameras and making it handicap accessible. The restoration cost NIS 200,000 according to the municipality.Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion called on Jerusalem residents to bring their books to fill the station. "In record time, the municipality's culture department committed itself to the task, and this morning we cut the ribbon on the new station. I call on all residents of the neighborhood to bring books and cherish the area."The book exchange, located off the First Station train tracks in Baka, is one of about a hundred located in communities throughout Israel. Some are located in bus stops and others are standalone, serving as a location for residents to either deposit unwanted books or take home a free book of their choice.The importance of the book exchange centers has grown amid the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, since communal libraries have been shuttered.The burning of the exchange appeared to be arson.Celia Jean contributed to this report.
