Book Exchange – Human Chain stands outside the ČUK reading room of the University of Maribor Library on Gospejna Street. Designed in 2015 by industrial designer Nejc Brezovšek, it was the first art bench in the Stories of Benches and People project. Made from Siberian larch, its layered wooden structure resembles an open book with turning pages.
More than a place to sit, the bench has built-in shelves for exchanging books. It creates a space for sharing stories, ideas and reading experiences. Its name refers to an event in 1988, when Maribor residents formed a human chain to pass books from hand to hand during the university library's move from its old building to the new one.
Unveiled on 26 May 2015, the bench marked the beginning of a series of unique art benches across Maribor. It combines public-space design with a local historical event. Outside the library, it serves as a seat, a book exchange and a reminder of how books can bring people together.
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2000 Maribor