A library on wheels drives literary fun in Athens

The Mobile Library of the City of Athens came to life this summer, promising to fill as many neighborhoods as possible with books for children and adults.

The central districts of Syntagma Square, Petralona and Pagkrati, among others, are some of the loan centers for the library "visits" in June, as part of Athens' role as World Book Capital for 2018, organizers say. The colorful minibus, loaded with 1,000 books, was at the Serafeio Athletic and Community Complex in the city center last week.

There are more than 3,000 titles available in the full collection of the project. Books offered are in Greek, English and French, and most fall in the literary category. The lending process is simple: Thanks to an automated electronic system, Athens' residents can become members of the library and borrow up to two books at a time free of charge.