Westbury’s ‘little free library’ is up and running

A NOVEL idea was unveiled on Station Road at Heron Rise last month as a ‘little free library’ has been created to help facilitate the free exchange of books.

Members of the Westbury Shed, Norman Winter and Tony Reay, took on the challenge of building the ‘little free library’, which has been installed at the entrance to Heron Rise.

The idea of the library is that when someone takes a book to read from the library, you leave one behind for someone else to enjoy. It is hoped the library will become a useful resource for both the new residents of Heron Rise and the wider community, who are all welcome to partake.

The library is currently stocked full of interesting titles, from children’s books through to thrillers and romantic novels. Tony from the Westbury Shed has donated some of his trusty DIY books to help pass his skills onto others.

Alison Bowen, sales manager for Newland Homes, commented, “Book swaps are a great way to share a love of reading, perhaps discover a new author and start to create a connection with the community around you. I have borrowed a children’s cookbook to try out some new recipes with my children at home. We hope this new ‘little free library’ will be well used by Westbury’s residents and the idea of reusing and sharing fits with Newland Homes’ ethos of helping our customers to live more sustainably.”

The Westbury Shed is a charity formed in 2015. Whilst it is based on the Men’s Shed ethos first developed in Australia, where it was recognised that men’s emotional wellbeing was at risk due to social isolation and lack of community engagement, Westbury chose to make the Shed a community group for both men and women and is always on the lookout for new members.

Members of the Westbury Shed share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace, and in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment which offers an escape from solitude, boredom, or changes in circumstances brought on by retirement, bereavement or any other of life’s twists or turns.  The Shed, off Eden Vale Road, is a place to make new friendships and connections. For further information visit www.westburyshed.org