I was walking past the library at work when something caught my eye. Above a small wire basket of novels was a sign: ‘FREE BOOKS’.

Free books?! (confusion, excitement) And it wasn’t the usual technofare that plagues the company library. Instead of construction codes, risk management guidelines, legislation and maps, I found novels by Dan Brown and Maeve Binchy.

“Margeret, what are these books? Are they really free?” I asked the librarian.

“Yes, Joan. You’re welcome to take as many as you like,” she said. “They’re from my personal library.”

“Wow! Why are you giving them away?”

“Well, I’ve read them all so I thought I might as well pass them on to someone else who will appreciate them. The idea is that once they’re finished with the book, they can pass the books on again.”

“What a great idea!” I marvelled.

We spent about five minutes browsing through the books (that just cost one of my clients $8.25). She gave me some recommendations and advice. (“There are a few old lady’s books, I’m afraid. I bought them for my mother.”) We also talked about her book club. Now, I wouldn’t mind being part of a book club! Everyone reads the same book and comes back to discuss it. Margaret’s book club once read ‘Morgan’s Run‘ by Colleen McCullough, then followed up with a meeting on Fraser Island, where the book is set.

I selected three books, including one old lady’s book. I am looking forward to reading them.