A COMMUNITY library has found its way into a Barry café, making it the first business premises in the town to host the world-wide scheme. book phenomena.

Mrs Marco’s, in Porthkerry Country Park, took delivery of a Free Little Library on Monday, May 20 – and visitors to the nature spot can donate, take away, or read books from the specially made case.

The library idea first arrived in the town when three book-loving children wanted to share their love of reading and set one up outside their home.

The then nine-year-old Lorenzo Zeraschi, his sister Sofia, six, and two-year-old brother Matteo’s Little Free Library came up with the idea after seeing a similar library in Bastogne, Belgium, when they had gone on a holiday.

The children’s grandfather Dave Wells constructed the two-shelf unit which is placed by their front wall and holds up to 60 books.

The public embraced the idea and similar libraries have appeared elsewhere in the town.

Mr Wells, 69, of Barry, said: “I’ve had a lot of people asking about them.

“They take about two days to make.

“I have been a builder all my life and I really enjoy making them.”

Mrs Marco’s Café owner, Ruth Zeraschi, said: “The café is a haven where people can relax and enjoy the scenery with each other.

“I am an avid reader and I want to encourage that.

“Even charity shops can be expensive for people so someone can come here, for free, and read.

“They can read something they may not normally read if a book costs £7 to buy.

“It gives people choice and they can read the books on their visit and take them home.”

Free Little Libraries can currently be found in Pontypridd Road, Bron Awelon, in the garden suburb, outside the 10th Barry Guides Hut, opposite Romilly Primary School, and outside Island View Care Home, in Barry Island.

The scheme exists throughout the world with libraries popularly located in North America and Europe.

Anyone is welcome to donate books or take away to read at any of the locations and residents, and businesses and organisations can also embrace the idea and host a Free Little Library of their own.

Libraries can be made to order - any size suitable - but the cost of materials needs to be covered.