In a humble church building in the leafy suburb of Beaumaris in Melbourne, the latest project of a handful of German parents has finally culminated into Bücherwald (book forest), a library that abounds in German books, CDs, games and more.
On 6 May, an estimated 200 visitors snatched up 100 pretzels, chomped on 85 sausages and checked out 332 items from the newly-installed library shelves.
The library is home to 4,800 items that promote the German language and culture.
Bücherwald is affiliated with DerDieDas Inc., a not-for-profit founded in 2018 by German-speaking parents who wanted to ensure their children grew up speaking, reading and writing their mother tongue.
DerDieDas intends to do that by offering weekly sessions for children between the ages of 18 months and nine years (or Year 3).
This is the first German library in the area that is open to the public, with the others being affiliated with schools and only open to members.
Means to an end
On the opening day, the organisers admit that they were “a bit overwhelmed by their success” and “thousands of hours of work had paid off”.
Imke Schmidt, one of the organisers of Bücherwald spoke with SBS German.
We were not sure whether this would work but we are humbled and elated to see so many people turn up.Imke Schmidt
Ms Schmidt says it is a challenge for every bilingual family to make sure their children grow up speaking both languages fluently.
“This is the reason why we not only wanted to create a library but a community hub where children and parents can meet other German-speaking people to connect with.
They plan to organise regular events like arts-and-crafts workshops, story-time sessions for the younger ones, and of course, the traditional coffee and cake for adults.
Gine Blombery and Imke Schmidt at the check-out just after the library opened its doors for the first time. Source: SBS / Julia Grewe
She had noticed that parents were struggling to source German books for their children.
The books they had stored in their classrooms were constantly borrowed by parents, who also organised book exchanges amongst themselves but were frustrated by the high cost and complexity of sourcing new ones.
Ms Blombery and Ms Schmidt are recent migrants to Australia and mothers of young children with Australian husbands.
That’s how the idea was born to institute a library for the wider German community.
The core team of Bücherwald: Jenny Goslar, Imke Schmidt, Stefanie Knippenkötter, Annett Kretzschmar, Gine Blombery, and Stefanie Hansen just before the crowds started coming in. Source: Supplied / DerDieDas Inc.
“The plan was to have a community space where everyone is welcome, no matter their age or interest,” she says.
The library also intends to organise events around German traditions like the yearly lantern walk for children, which Ms Knippenkoetter says, they have been doing for DerDieDas.
Donations, pre-loved items and elbow grease
The organisers of the library began by putting together all the items DerDieDas had collected over the years.
They then cleared out their own bookshelves and received donations from affiliated families.
When they posted an appeal for donations on Facebook early in 2022, they were overwhelmed with the contributions that flowed in. They had to organise pick-ups all over Melbourne and even received items via post.
There is a wide selection of German books at Bücherwald. Source: SBS / Julia Grewe
Their families had to endure some discomfort as they stored the library items in their homes spilling out into their garages, kitchens, hallways and even bedrooms. They also got the families supporting their cause to help.
Bücherwald stocks used items, which Ms Knippenkoetter says not only serves the library but also the community.
These are items no one wants to throw out. They are loaded with memories, they cost money and most of them are in immaculate condition.Ms Knippenkoetter
“Those that are too worn out for the library, we just give them away,” she says.
Variety on hand
DerDieDas expected to have around 2,000 items ready for the opening day.
Now, the shelves are filled with 4,800 items.
People brought in more boxes during the inauguration afternoon.
The selection of material at Bücherwald is very wide.
Crime novels and thrillers share shelf space with comics as do classics and contemporary literature books for children.
The library hit a double whammy with some popular items
“I think we have the complete Harry Potter series in duplicate. The more copies we have, the more people can check them out,” Ms Blombery says.
Challenge no. 1: finding a home for the library
While the books found a home in the library, finding a home for the library itself wasn’t a cakewalk for DerDieDas, says Ms Knippenkoetter.
After an intensive search, they found an ideal setup in the Beaumaris Baptist Church with enough storage for a colourful and extensively-shelved library.
The shelves were bought second-hand, which created another logistical challenge as the team had to organise bulky pick-ups across Melbourne.
A soft launch before the official opening revealed that capping the number of items that could be borrowed at eight was not enough. Source: SBS / Julia Grewe
The new library was advertised on social media and with flyers distributed in the community.
Ms Knippenkoetter reckons that word-of-mouth was a successful promotional tool for opening day.
To ensure their big day goes smoothly, they had a soft launch some weeks before to test what needed to be improved, changed or scrapped.
Driving 30 km for a good crime novel
Amongst the crowd that had turned up for the opening of Bücherwald, were guests who have a thirst for German literature that they struggle to source.
Like Sandra, a German woman who has been living in Australia for 27 years.
She drove almost 30 km to attend this function.
“I like crime novels, [especially] historical crime novels and already have found a couple [of them] to check out”, she says holding an armful of books.
Ms Berwick heard about the project when SBS German had recently broadcast an interview with Ms Blombery and Ms Schmidt.
She has already signed up for a year-long membership.
Members and comrades
Even before its opening, Bücherwald already had 50 membership registrations, 40 of whom had signed up to volunteer which reduces their fee.
On the opening day, 12 more people signed up for a membership.
Ms Schmidt estimates that volunteers will be requested to work maybe once or twice a year.
The library is completely run by volunteers.
Bücherwald Library is open on the first Saturday of every month from 2 PM - 4 PM.
Find more here.
