The Garden Library, Community library in Neve Sha'anan, Tel Aviv, Israel
The Garden Library is a community library in Neve Sha'anan with two outdoor bookcases holding thousands of books in numerous languages for neighborhood residents. The shelves sit in Levinsky Park near public shelter structures and are freely accessible to everyone.
The library was established in 2009 by ARTEAM and Mesila organizations to serve migrant communities in south Tel Aviv. It emerged from the needs of a neighborhood seeking access to books in their own languages.
The collection reflects the languages spoken by people living in and around Neve Sha'anan, making it a meeting point for readers from many backgrounds. Walking through the shelves, you experience a neighborhood where multiple cultures and languages coexist naturally.
The location in the park makes it easy to visit and browse books since everything is outdoors and free to access. The surrounding area also offers classes in computer repair, language instruction, and small business management.
During its early years, the library used an experimental cataloging system where books changed their positions based on how readers felt about them. This approach created a dynamic collection that reflected the emotional responses of the people using it.
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