A quaint shed situated near the ferry in Pettes Cove, N.B., on Grand Manan houses a unique collection of books left behind by the late Anneke Deichmann Gichuru. The shed, adorned in white with green accents and a black roof, may seem like an ordinary backyard structure but holds a diverse array of literature on various topics.
Ben Abramson, a neighbor and seasonal resident of Grand Manan, describes the shed as a treasure trove filled with an eclectic mix of books. Unlike traditional bookstores or libraries, the collection includes a memoir from a former prime minister, a French school book, and a Nova Scotia literary journal all stacked together, creating an intriguing blend.
Marked only by a small sign that reads “free books,” the shed caught the attention of Theresa Smith-Linton, who decided to lend a hand by mowing the grass around it before even meeting the owner. After two years of maintaining the lawn, Smith-Linton finally met Deichmann Gichuru, who encouraged her to explore the books inside. Impressed by the selection, Smith-Linton took home a couple of books.
Deichmann Gichuru, born in 1938, was a passionate reader and learner who instilled a love for books in her family. After returning to New Brunswick in the late ’90s to care for her mother, she decided to share her extensive book collection with the community. Many of the books in the shed originated from her mother’s and stepfather’s vast collection of over 15,000 to 20,000 books.
An active member of the Grand Manan community, Deichmann Gichuru was involved in various local organizations and activities. Despite her passing earlier this year, her legacy lives on through the open shed filled with books, a testament to her desire to share knowledge and foster a love of reading among others.
Grand Manan, with its small population of less than 3,000, cherishes the memory of Deichmann Gichuru and her contributions to the community. Her daughter, Wandia Gichuru, emphasizes the family’s intention to preserve the house as a place where generations can connect with their heritage and continue to feel her presence.
The shed serves as a tribute to Deichmann Gichuru’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge and her wish to ensure that her beloved books find new readers who will appreciate and benefit from the wealth of information and stories they hold.