A new community library

Across the UK, people have turned the British red telephone boxes into micro-libraries where people take and bring books as they wish without any bureaucracy. The first was set up in Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset and was founded in 2009 after the local council cut funding for the area’s mobile library in the village.

Rye is lucky to still have a wonderful library with very friendly staff. However, one night, using the red phone box on Strand Quay, outside the The Old Borough Arms, to get out of the rain while waiting, I noticed that the space has been given over as a community asset to The Heritage Centre by Rye Town Council which owns it. The manager of the Heritage Centre said he was happy for it to be used as a book exchange until they decide that perhaps a more creative use can be found.

Immediately the thought of a free library came to mind and I put some books on the shelf where the telephone had been. A note on the door invites people to use it. I endeavour to put a more professional sign on the door and hope Adams will help with this. Within a few days of starting it, I noticed the pile of books had got bigger and some books were taken, which was nice. I have now bought an old table, small enough just to get into the space and it looks more tidy and titles are more visible.

It’s such fun to keep an eye on what changes but also to make sure that no unsuitable books are slipped in. I hope anyone with redundant books will donate and maybe find something they would like to take home and enjoy being part of this new fun venture. In case the person reads this who donated the wonderful book for visitors to enjoy, I would like to say thank you. It is beautiful and I will take it back once I have admired the paintings for others to peruse. “The Streets of London produced by Ralph Hyde,  Evocative Watercolours (1880-1928) by HE Tidmarsh” who himself was a most interesting character.

Any problems or questions do contact me on my email: 17heidemarie@gmail.com

Image Credits: Heidi Foster .