Leeds little free library

All readers love libraries, they are the centre hubs for the reader community. One group came up with a scheme to further these hubs, throughout the City of Leeds.

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Images above taken by Farah Jamal

It all started on the 8th of June 2017, by artist Carry Franklin. With the first Little Free Library being set up outside her front door. It has remained there since, with 61 more being added all over the city.

The scheme is a free book exchange, where anyone can visit the little library closest to them and either take or leave a book.

The idea came from seeing a little library in London, which gained root in Franklin’s head. Then it was a case of making the little library’s, something that joiner David Ayres was enlisted to help with.

The Little Libraries are wooden boxes, or cabinets installed on posts. Some are proudly stood, whilst others are nestled within trees, or even in school playgrounds. They hold around 40 books, with decorative shells, designed by Franklin and other local artists.

The scheme is non-profit, with the intention being solely to offer book sharing to the community of Leeds. Franklin describes them as “political acts” and represent anti-commercialism.

To answer one of the obvious questions, what about the weather? Well never fear as the Little Libraries are all waterproof, protecting the books.

The scheme is built on donations of stock and has progressed through the continued support of locals and their donations.

Franklin believes that this is not only supportive of the strength of community, but it also gives readers the freedom of choice. As the stock is made of a range of genres, and one can end up with something unexpected. The scheme also allows for books to remain used, rather than sitting on someone’s shelf and never being touched.

Along with bringing the reading community together, the scheme also brings together the local artist community. The artists can feel more connected with their community, along with the sense of doing something beneficial for others.

With some placed around schools, the scheme is actively encouraging children to take up reading, something that is becoming increasingly important in the ever-growing digital age.

Another question to be asked is what about the negative sides to it? Mainly vandalism. Well it would seem that it is a question not to be dwelt on too much, as the Little Libraries have not suffered any major destruction. Plus, the group believe that in areas of poverty that this is where the Little Libraries are the most important.

The scheme is also important due to many funding’s for the local public libraries being cut, something that has caused many public libraries to close. Although it isn’t a replacement, it is an encouragement to keep reading, soothing the loss of some public libraries.

Sadly, founder Carry Franklin passed away from cancer in 2019, with Jane Clifford taking over the project.

Franklin’s idea however has grown in popularity, with many groups and business’s funding the installation of a Little Library.

This scheme is full of positivity and offers hope to communities.

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