A new library has been operating in Krikello, Evrytania for just two days, and the public’s response has already been notably positive.

Using the old, forgotten “library corner” — which had fallen into disuse about ten years ago and was initially started by philologist Soula Florou, aiming to house the personal book collection of a local resident — the idea of creating a full-fledged library was recently rekindled.

The culmination of this effort was the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, August 3rd, which was attended by a large number of Krikello residents and visitors currently flocking to the area.

“A space that exceeded our expectations given the village’s scale,” said Ms. Sofia Dimopoulou, the driving force behind the project, to protothema.gr.
She added, “Wanting to foster a love for reading and create a strong point of attraction, we repurposed the previously unused post office. We cleared it out, painted it — it became unrecognizable.
Visitors now enter to the sound of classical music. It’s truly inspiring. People can sit and read, or borrow a book to take with them.”

How Do You Build a Library in a Village?

“The contents come from all of us,” Ms. Dimopoulou explained. “Everyone contributed what they could, and books keep coming in. We’ve curated a very good selection suitable for all ages.
Currently, we have 1,200 catalogued books, with many more still being processed. We’ve already launched an online platform where people can browse available titles.”

Special mention goes to tireless volunteer Antonis Beslemes, who not only organized the book cataloging but also shoulders much of the day-to-day operation.
During the summer, the library remains open in the mornings and afternoons, and the plan is to keep it open on weekends and holidays — basically, whenever there are people around.

“That doesn’t mean if someone comes in the middle of winter wanting a book, we won’t help them. We have plenty of books — what we don’t have are people to read them,” she noted.

“With that in mind, we tried to make the space inviting — not just a plain, wooden, ‘dry’ library.”

A Project Close to the Village President’s Heart

“There are about 40 permanent residents in Krikello,” said village president Takis Kondos. “In the summer, that number jumps to 2,000.”
He emphasized that through this library effort, they are addressing everyone — “year-round residents, tourists, and friends of the village. That’s why we also went digital — so people can check our catalog and even request books remotely.”

“Do It Like in Fourna”

“There’s a vision here to do what Fourna did — to revitalize the village,” Kondos explained. “We’re already taking steps in that direction.
We’re actively looking for large families to settle here. We’re searching for empty homes for them to live in and exploring job opportunities to offer them. It’s worth noting that Karpenisi is just 26 km away.
There’s room for a new tavern, or even a bakery, which the village currently lacks.”

Looking Ahead: A School, Events, and Community Life

Today, the village school is closed — there are no children. “We hope it will reopen one day.
For now, the school building ‘comes to life’ in summer, when various events take place: from midday onward, volunteers offer activities for kids — music, dance, painting, and more.

In fact, on August 17, we’ll host ‘Ta Aidonakia’, a children’s choir performance,” Kondos concluded.