Books / News
Bristol gets two new ‘little book stops’
A corner of Bristol is now the home of two tiny book swaps laden with titles ready to be swapped and shared.
Just a three-minute cycle separates the duo of new ‘little book stops’, which are located at the University of Bristol’s micro-campus in Barton Hill and our city’s smallest cafe, 3ft 6 in Redfield.
As part of Penguin’s 90th birthday celebrations, the idea is for each handmade wooden box to run a “give a book, take a book” concept in order to promote community-led book sharing.
Spotted on the shelves on a recent visit by Bristol24/7 were titles including Bernadine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, Richard Osmond’s The Thursday Murder Club and White Teeth by Zadie Smith.
A Little Book Stop can be found at Barton Hill micro-campus on Ducie Road
The two locations in east Bristol were chosen as one of 90 locations by the publisher in partnership with Little Free Library.
Greig Metzger, executive director at the non-profit, said: “We believe everyone has the right to read, and we hope these book-sharing boxes will build community, inspire readers and expand book access where it is needed most.”
A University of Bristol spokesperson told Bristol24/7: “We’re delighted to be working with Wellspring Settlement to host the Little Book Stop as part of Penguin Books’ 90th celebrations.
“It’s wonderful to see it find a home in the orchard and garden at Wellspring, right next to our University of Bristol micro campus, where the Little Library is run every Tuesday for local residents.
“Together, we’ll be curating books inspired by nature, celebrating our shared commitment to learning, curiosity, and connection across our communities.”
Bristol’s smallest cafe is now the home of one of Bristol’s smallest book swaps
Speaking about the initiative, co-owner of 3ft 6 on Lancaster Street Jack Barnet said: “I hope these books can spark an inspiration for someone to learn something, or share some new knowledge or have a conversation with someone.”
All photos: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
