Waking up with a view of the Aegean, having koulouri (greek sesame bread) with cheese from the village bakery for breakfast, facing the square with its centuries-old plane trees, and spotting the library building! Going up to our magical attic, books are in every corner! We have prepared nooks for everyone; you just pick yours and enjoy working at the computer, reading, browsing the books, researching the archives, and exploring local history. This is a typical day at our library!
Public libraries are one of the most democratic institutions in the world, as everyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, class, and religion, has access to them. I have noticed that in recent years, after the economic crisis, people have been returning to public libraries, and indeed, they always find those willing to help them. Every summer, and not just every summer, a small miracle takes place in the library halls: children of all ages participate in innovative activities that stimulate imagination, exploration, literacy, and creativity! This makes me very happy and optimistic for the future.
Especially in an area that is mainly rural, like Rapsani, the library constitutes a basic infrastructure for the village. The space functions not only as a lending library but also as a research library. It has a rich and organised archive of local history that includes books, manuscripts, maps, and photographic material from Rapsani and the wider region of Kato Olympos. In addition, its services have been adapted to meet almost all the needs of the villagers. Following this logic, it is the centre of the local community: all roads lead to the library, which provides a link between the residents and the services of the municipality.
The library’s activities, however, are not limited to these areas. Together with the local institutions and associations, the library forms the cultural ecosystem of Rapsani. Our aim is to connect the local community with the wider public of the region and beyond, through projects aimed at residents and visitors to the village. Activities for the whole family that combine the natural beauty of the village with local history, such as the “Karagatsis’ Walk”, the ten-day folklore event “Isn’t it spring, isn’t it summer?” etc. The walking tours in the village are one of our favourite activities because, by walking with us, visitors discover our village and its history.
All of the above is happening because we are motivated by love for our land. A love that for me is based on Austin Kleon’s catchphrase from Steal Like an Artist: "[T]here’s only one not-so-secret formula that I know: Do good work and share it with people”!
Contact Information
Rapsani Public Library
Rapsani 40008
Tel.: +30 2495061259, +30 6972424158
Email: rapsanilibrary@yahoo.gr /pantazixamaidi@yahoo.gr
Facebook: Rapsani Public Library, Haido Pantazi
hashtag #ραψανηομορφοχωριο