Inspired by Penguin’s tri-band cover design, the Little Book Stop structure’s design is an echo of a stack of three books with the location of the community library listed on the book spines – a way to commemorate the shared story being written by the local community and the books being donated, shared, and read. And on the back of the Little Book Stops, you’ll find the heart-warming letter that won the Book Stop’s local volunteer steward their role. Join the Penguin team on their trip to our Creative Studio to see how the Little Book Stops came to be.
Now dotted around the country, these community shelves are looked after by volunteer stewards who ensure they’re well stocked with rich, exciting, and perspective-shifting books for all ages to enjoy. We caught up with a few stewards about how it’s going, favourite moments they’ve had with their community so far, and their favourite books. Get to know these brilliant book lovers and then explore this map to find your closest Book Stop.
Why did you become the steward of your Little Book Stop?
Jennifer, in Barrow-in-Furness: We applied for a Little Book Stop as we are passionate about community projects in our town, and giving the people who live and work here new opportunities. The Little Book Stop encourages reading in a fun, accessible way, so it was something we knew we wanted to be involved in, given our passion for helping our local community.
Gemma, in Fleggburgh: My love of reading started from a very early age. I always had a book in my hand, and my mum regularly took me and my siblings to the library after school. As I became older, my passion for reading only continued to grow and I would take myself to my local library – which was only a few minutes’ walk away – multiple times a week. I wanted to bring that passion to my rural village in Norfolk where I live with my family. Unlike my childhood in a town in Essex where I had a library on my doorstep and could get books easily, getting to the nearest library here requires residents to either drive or take a bus which isn’t always possible. Book-sharing initiatives like the Penguin Little Book Stop bring the library closer, providing free access to a diverse range of books for people of all ages.
Kirsty, in Lumley: I became a steward because I’m a huge advocate of reading. The more we read, the more we learn and grow as people. Books are also a fantastic opportunity to escape for a short while if life is stressful. I also wanted to provide a reason for someone to take a walk if they may have otherwise stayed home all day.
Have you found the Little Book Stop to be a success in your community? What has the reception been like?
Jennifer, in Barrow-in Furness: The Little Book Stop has proven invaluable, with books in constant rotation! We find new books in it daily, as people use it on their way to work, after picking up the kids, or while they’re shopping in the town centre. The reception has been amazing, with all ages utilising the box for books, community promotions and more.
Shannon, in Erith: It has absolutely been a success in the community. I check it every week, and the selection of books changes all the time. It’s fun to see what’s new, and I know I have personally read a few more books than usual, and different ones than I might typically pick up.
Kathryn, in London: There has been such a positive reaction to the book stop in the local community. The shelves have been kept full and it’s been a joy to watch so many enjoy it.
Has there been a particularly memorable conversation you’ve had with a member of the community, as the book stop steward?
Gemma, in Fleggburgh: My daughter and I visited our local park for her to play and I got talking to a parent who was there with her boys. We started talking about the book stop and it really opened my eyes! One of the boys said they loved reading and told me all the things he enjoyed which I duly took note of, while the other said he found reading boring and talked about what non-book things he liked. That conversation really stuck with me because it refocused me on what kids who like reading want to see in the book stop. It also gave me an idea for something to get all children reading for fun that I am now speaking to a local school about… watch this space!
Kirsty, in Lumley: So many! In one particular instance, two girls who live further down my street wanted to make me a little card to say thank you. They didn’t know my name so addressed the card to ‘The Book Lady’ and inside wrote about how they love coming to get books. They left it in the book stop for me to find which was gorgeous. In another instance, some kids knocked on my door with a thank you note and a £1 ‘tip’ for doing such a good job
Kathryn, in London: We run a monthly playstreet for the local children and it’s so exciting when they come and tell me the books they’ve borrowed and new authors they’ve discovered and what reading adventures they’ve been on!
What is your favourite book that you think should always be in the community book stop for people to discover for the first time?
Jennifer, in Barrow-in Furness: We were lucky enough to receive a copy of The Testaments TV tie in from Vintage Books to go in the book stop, along with a note from Margaret Atwood herself! Books that really make you think, like The Testaments, should always be in the bookstop for the community.
Shannon, in Erith: My absolute favourite book is The Great Gatsby. I donated a copy to the Book Stop, and it sat there for AGES before someone finally took it… so maybe not that one lol! Instead, I’m going to say The Hobbit. It’s a classic, but a really accessible one, and there’s something in it for everyone. It’s an adventure story for kids, a gateway to fantasy for teenagers and, for adults, it has deeper themes about courage, friendship and discovering strengths you didn’t know you had.
Gemma, in Fleggburgh: ‘Under The Whispering Door’ by TJ Klune. It’s about a ghost called Wallace who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with. Amazing concept, great characters, beautifully written – it truly has it all.
Kirsty, in Lumley: The last Q is a tricky one! I think 1984 is an important read – especially for the world we live in at the moment. I always keep some Jacqueline Wilson books in there for young kids to discover because I have such fond memories of reading and collecting all of her books when I was young. The most popular books in there are horror and thriller for the adults! So Stephen King always goes down well.
Kathryn, in London: Matilda by Roald Dahl, it’s one of the first books I remember reading independently as a child and holds really fond memories for me.
JACK ARTS concept sketch of the Little Book Stops
