Almost every household has books that have been read once and now sit unused on a shelf. A little book box by the garden gate gives those books a second life. Neighbours and passers-by can take one they fancy and leave another in its place, and nobody has to pay or sign anything. It is a small project that has a surprisingly warm effect on a whole street.
Making it work
You do not need to buy anything special. An old cupboard, a sturdy wooden crate with a lid or a large plastic box can be turned into a shelter for books. Add a coat of paint in cheerful colours, and make sure the box closes well, so that rain cannot get in and spoil the pages.
Choose a spot that is easy to see from the pavement but safe for people to stand at. Make sure it does not block the way, and check what applies where you live, in case the box needs permission or must stand on your own land. Fix it firmly, so that a strong wind will not knock it over, and make sure it can be reached by children and adults alike.
Fill it with books that you are happy to give away. Include a few for children, some novels and perhaps a cookery book or two. A sign on the front, saying that everyone is welcome to take and leave books, helps people understand how it works. Children enjoy painting the sign and choosing the first books.
Look in from time to time. Take out books that have been damaged by damp, tidy the shelves and add new ones. Some neighbours will bring books of their own, and others will leave a note or a drawing. You will soon see which stories are popular and which stay put on the shelf.
Over the weeks, the box becomes a small meeting point. People stop for a chat, children ask if there are new books and someone always brings a surprise. It costs very little, it keeps good books in circulation and it makes a street feel a little more like a community, where people notice one another and share what they have.
