Millicent ‘stop ‘n’ swap’ street library containing hundreds of books destroyed by vandals

A street library containing hundreds of books was destroyed by fire this week – but already the community has rallied to help its owners replace it.

A much-loved street library, located on the outskirts of Millicent, has been destroyed in a fire likely lit by vandals, police and its owners say.

Anne and Peter Hughes of Millicent said they were shocked to received a call from a neighbour who told them their ‘stop ‘n’ swap’ street library at the front of their property had been burnt on Tuesday morning.

“We received a phone call at 8am in the morning from a neighbour who was walking past with his dog and rang to say ‘what happened to book box, it’s all in ashes down here,” Ms Hughes said.

“It’s obviously must’ve burnt quite hot from quite some time as there was not a page of a book left.

“There would’ve been between 100 to 200 books in there … and they’re all gone – nothing but ash.”

A well-used street library on the outskirts of Millicent was destroyed by a blaze, likely lit by vandals its owners say. Picture: Supplied Anne Hughes.

The owners estimate hundreds of books were destroyed by the blaze. Picture: Supplied Anne Hughes.

The couple called the police to report to incident.

“We thought maybe there’d been some other vandalism during the night that could be connected to it, but we knew there wasn’t much they’d be able to do about it,” Ms Hughes said.

A SAPOL spokesperson said patrols were called to Williams Rd, Millicent, about 9am on Tuesday following reports a fridge containing books on the side of the road had been set alight.

They said police are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to come forwards.

Ms Hughes said it was saddening that the book exchange, which they’ve had outside their property for about five years, was destroyed.

She said it was a “very well loved” asset – and used regularly by travellers and locals.

“A lot of people have reached out to tell us their very angry and sad over the situation,” Ms Hughes said. “I tell them to just be sad, not angry.”

Fortunately, she said they’ve already got a replacement fridge lined up, kindly offered by a Millicent business, and a plethora of community members promising to donate more books as soon as the new makeshift library is up and running.

“We’re not going to let this keep us down, not at all,” Ms Hughes said.

“It’s such a nice little asset for the community and we look forward to seeing it back up and running as soon as possible.”