This place is rather a haven for English-speakers in Basel. They have a pretty well-stocked library…read moreof English-language books (fiction and nonfiction) as well as films, languages classes and conversation groups, other hobby groups that meet, book discussions, and helps and tips for those who have just moved to Basel. Membership is 80 francs a year for the whole family (50 for students). It's worth the fairly minimal fee, and is a must for anyone who doesn't want to spend a fortune on English books!

This organization has many, many facets. I'm focusing on just one of them in this review…read more Upon arriving in Zurich just about two months ago I found myself with scads of clothes and shoes that I should have donated to charity back in London, but, somehow, didn't. So now was the time for such an action. Where? The Brockenhaeuser, a chain of second-hand shops here in town, seemed a likely candidate, but then I found out about the Sozialwerke Pfarrer Sieber. SWS is an organization that supports the 'socially vulnerable' living here in town. I contacted them via their website re: donations and received a quick response. The SWS maintains a 'boutique' in Seebach catering to those in need. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 2pm-4.30. Clients are able to select five articles of clothing gratis per visit. Donations are gratefully accepted also during this time. The shop itself is tidy and boasts a nice selection of well-maintained clothing, bed linens, blankets, and foot wear. Disclosure: I now volunteer at the Kleiderladen once weekly.