Would you like coffee with that book?

A new library service with a caffeinated twist started in Dereel at the weekend.

The Books and Beans Library Cafe was held at the Dereel Community Centre on Saturday 2 May.

Residents were able to enjoy barista-made coffee, cakes and slices along with borrowing a range of books.

Ballarat-based Book Bounce also donated books to help fill the library.

Organiser Sharon Breen from Dereel and Surrounding Men’s Shed said the inaugural event received a promising turnout.

“Most of the people I knew by name but it was actually good because I was able to introduce other people that didn’t know them before,” she said. “So it was a really good social thing happening.

“People were really impressed with the whole setup of the library and the books that we had on offer. Quite a few people said they’ll definitely be there next time.”

Breen said offering social opportunities was critical for involving people in the community.

“Dereel hasn’t got a large population and we don’t even have a shop,” she said.

“It is really important because then they might meet someone that also is interested in the same thing that they are, like they’ve got horses or they’re part of a dog club or whatever.

“So it means then that you can introduce them to other people with the same interests.”

Breen said they were aiming to hold the event monthly.

The next Books and Beans Library Cafe will be held on 6 June from 10am to 2pm.

More information on the event can be found at the men’s shed’s Facebook page.