Mini-libraries bring free books to Jersey’s rural parishes
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Small community libraries are appearing in Jersey’s countryside, offering Islanders a free and simple way to discover new books.
The Book Nook in Trinity and The Story Shed in St Mary operate on a bring-and-borrow basis, allowing readers to exchange books and encouraging children and adults to read for pleasure.
Cate Hamilton, who founded The Book Nook near Jersey Zoo, said the project was designed to make reading more accessible for families.
She said: “An enthusiasm for reading is one of the most valuable gifts a child can be given.”
The Book Nook stocks books for both children and adults, while also publishing a weekly nature-themed newsletter for younger readers featuring its mascot, Cracker the pony.
Meanwhile, The Story Shed was inspired by similar small libraries seen in New Zealand by founder Katie Topman.
Its children’s collection proved so popular that a separate Little Story Shed was created specifically for younger readers.
Ms Topman, a teacher, said she wanted to help bring “joy back to reading and storytelling” amid concerns that fewer children and adults were reading for pleasure.
The project is now set to expand, with monthly book recommendations planned from September and hopes for another Story Shed in one of Jersey’s eastern parishes.
