People had even urinated in it. The height of disrespect, again recently reported to the City Council, which finally forced the capital to close the two telephone booths transformed into “book booths”, where one could bring one’s work and leave with another one. to please. One is located at Place Monsieur, the other at Place de l’Étang.
They have remained closed and empty for three months. This situation moved many people and provoked reactions even at the City Council. Good news for book lovers: there is real hope that they will reopen very soon. The authorities are in advanced discussions with a group of citizens ready to manage it on a voluntary basis, explains Jérôme Monnerat, the head of culture, sport and schools in Delémont.
“They announced themselves very quickly. What is happening is very positive, he rejoices. We still have to meet them to finalize the last details of the collaboration, which will perhaps be fixed in an agreement. that it will be, done, we will go for it.”
He hopes for a reopening “during October. But I am always told that I am too optimistic.” Previously, the management of these cabins fell to the library and its few employees. Experience has shown that this is not tenable. “We lacked proximity on weekends and in the evening, which tended to encourage vandalism and gratuitous acts,” notes Jérôme Monnerat.
“I go there every day”
The work of the volunteers will probably consist of a small check in the evening, to check that there are any Books left. City councilor Magali Rohner was one of the first people to write to the municipality to demonstrate their goodwill.
A “fervent user”, she is delighted to collaborate on a project “which contributes to the circular economy”. For her who passes the cabin on Place de l’Étang every morning, the effort will not be insurmountable.
She believes that, despite this failure, “there is not much to improve on the concept other than additional surveillance. The Delémont cabins were rather well kept compared to what I was able to see in Rolle for example: an absolutely disgusting place, where the books protruded onto the road and where the smell of excrement was palpable.” According to her, raising awareness of this service will help reduce problems.
However, she warns the City: “In the present case, yes, volunteering will undoubtedly bring additional dynamics, but the municipality must not replace it with all tasks. It is not the solution to everything. “
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