In the centre of picturesque Amargeti, a modest stone-built room overlooking the village square has quietly become a cultural landmark. For the past two years, it has been home to Amargeti’s tiny library, a warm and welcoming space dedicated to books, connection and shared stories.
The driving force behind the initiative is philologist Giota Kaiser, whose love for literature and deep respect for community life helped transform a small room into a meeting point for readers of all ages.
The library operates every Wednesday afternoon as a free lending library, while book lovers visiting the village can also arrange personal appointments. Borrowing rights extend to residents of the ten communities that make up the central mountainous cluster of Paphos district, widely known as the Ampelochoria.
A name rooted in memory
The building bears the name John & Mavis Library, in honour of Amargeti’s first British residents. John and Mavis settled in the village in 1988 and, as Ms Kaiser notes, formed a deep bond with both the place and its people. For 33 years, they were active members of the community, taking part in local initiatives, supporting producers and small businesses, and building genuine friendships with residents.
During their daily walks through the village, doors were always open for a friendly offering, while John and Mavis made a sincere effort to speak Greek, a gesture of respect and affection for the place that embraced them.
Although they now live permanently in England, their connection to Amargeti remains strong. The library’s English-language section includes books donated by Mavis herself, a former teacher and lifelong reader.
A small but meaningful beginning
The library was officially inaugurated on Thursday, January 4, 2024, by Father Panaretos of the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, marking the start of what has become a small yet significant cultural nucleus for Amargeti and the wider area.
In an age of speed and screens, this little library stands as a gentle reminder of slower rhythms, shared knowledge and the quiet power of community.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)