Book collector shares his passion

September 7 to 13 was National Book Week, when people were encouraged to value reading and expose themselves to reading fun.

Mr Frank Raubenheimer from Yeoville, is an ambassador for reading to the community of Yeoville.

He has opened his home and turned it into a world of wonder and wisdom.

Born in Bedfordview and settled in Yeoville, Mr Raubenheimer said he was attracted to Yeoville by its creative environment which makes him feel at home.

Born into a book-loving family, it was easy for Mr Raubenheimer to fall in love with reading from a young age.

“My family has always collected books and I just joined in. I have been in love with books ever since,” said Mr Raubenheimer.

He has created his own world where he feels comfortable and loves inviting people who love to read into his world of wisdom.

Mr Raubenheimer started the home library in 1992.

He was inspired by the number of books his family had collected over the years and when his family moved overseas and left him with all the books, he did not want to give them way.

He wanted to share the knowledge hidden inside the books with the community.

“Books have the power to help people learn about themselves. You can discover yourself in a book and gain different knowledge. I opened the library for the people who wanted to read,” said Mr Raubenheimer.

“Some people can’t afford to buy books and having a place where they can come and read for free is helpful. The library caters for the entire community as it has novels, history books and self-help books. There are even gardening books. I just collect all kind of books, even although it’s not categorised properly, but in most cases people find treasure books that really help them,” said Mr Raubenheimer.

Those interested in buying a book are allowed to do so. People are also welcome to swap books.

He is concerned about the lack of interest that young people have in reading.

“Young people are more interested in technology and it is an easy way of doing research. That is a sad. If technology should die, we are doomed,” he said.

“With books, there is a connection when one physically reads. The information is always available and cannot be taken away, and that is a priceless moment,” said Mr Raubenheimer.