The district mayor of Aachen-Richterich, Hans Peter Kehr, was delighted with the exchange opportunity: "It's great that there is now a bookcase in Horbach too. I particularly like the visual design of the bookcase, which symbolizes the connection between new and old. We hope that the cupboard will be well used and accepted." Everyone involved is sure of this, as it was already well filled at the official opening.
The bookcase is the first in Horbach, but the second in the Aachen-Richterich district. Book lovers have been able to swap books on Rathausplatz since 2014. Both cabinets are looked after by patron Dr. Sybille Hecking from Kulturkreis Richterich e. V.. She regularly checks the cupboards and sorts the books. She advises: "The bookcase should contain well-kept and interesting books that you would also give to friends or relatives." School books, magazines or advertising should not be placed in the bookcase. The bottom shelf in particular is intended for children's books. A sign on the bookcase also provides information on all usage instructions.
Yvonne Moritz, head of the district authority, emphasizes: "The bookcase is also an open meeting place and invites people to get into conversation with each other." The benches in the immediate vicinity of the bookcase offer a good opportunity to linger, read and relax.
With the bookcase, the Aachen-Richterich district council has taken up a wish expressed by local residents and financed it.