きっかけ

What got the person to love books? → A book the teacher recommended was interesting.

In my town, for several years there has been a 'green curtain' scheme. In summer, a net is hung outside the windows of homes and schools and climbing plants are grown on it. The plants cover the window, blocking sunlight and cooling the room. When I first heard of it I didn't expect much; I couldn't believe plants would grow enough to replace a curtain. But when I tried it, by the end of July the window was completely covered in green. The room was about two degrees cooler and I used the air conditioner less. That's not all. I could eat the bitter gourds I grew. It also gave me a reason to chat with neighbours — 'they've done well this year'. A small scheme, but I feel I gained more than I expected. Q: 'That's not all' — what else was there? — Edible fruit, and a reason to talk with neighbours.

A library has begun opening its building after closing time as a 'night study room'. It's for high-school and university students, usable until 10 p.m. The trigger was staff noticing that before exams many students studied at a nearby fast-food restaurant. It's awkward to stay long in a restaurant, and it costs money. The library is quiet and free, but closed too early. Since opening, users have exceeded expectations. However, night-time supervision needs staff, and whether it can continue is the next challenge. Q: What prompted the service? — Noticing students studying in restaurants.