The Little Free Library boxes are actually the result of a global project, set up to encourage neighbourhood book exchanges. However, Edinburgh has truly embraced the inspiring initiative and has many of these small cases dotted around the city. The little birdhouse-looking book-stops are a delightful find and a wonderful place to take an old book and swap for one you haven’t read.
The libraries are run by stewards, and these people promote them within the community and make sure they’re clean and inviting. The people using them are encouraged to talk about them; inspiring a love of reading and endorse creativity.
Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer taking a book on my travels as opposed to an electrical reading device. For those who feel the same, these free, mini library points are a great place to update your reading materials whilst travelling. The stations are run on a system of trust, and users are expected to be respectful and make sure they provide a replacement for each book taken.
If you’re hoping to find one of the book boxes in Edinburgh, but are short on time, the library has its own website with a map highlighting where they can be found. With that being said, there are a good few that don’t show on the map, including the one I’ve highlighted.
