The return of the BIG Little Library

The BIG Little Library is back with some exciting new features for 2016.

The award-winning community venture from Gateacre School is back for 2016! The school has announced that the BIG Little Library is heading back to Belle Vale Shopping Centre from Wednesday 2 March.

This year, Liverpool’s very own Leon and June from Channel 4’s Gogglebox will officially open the pop-up library, which provides a gathering space where people of all ages and different backgrounds can share their favourite stories.

The library opened its doors on World Book Day last year with the ethos of ‘take a book, return a book, donate a book.’ Since its grand opening, the initiative has gone on to scoop many awards for the impact it’s had on the local community. It won two awards at last year’s Educate Awards; the Community Partnership and WOW Recognition Awards.

The library also acts as a fun, educational centre attracting both primary and secondary pupils, as well as parents and members of the local community. From staged ‘robbery and CSI investigations’ to afternoons spent craft making in the cosy corner, the BIG Little Library has evolved in to a community hub catering for people of all ages and interests.

Building on the success of the project, this year the school has created a new initiative called Neighbourbook Watch. Inspired by one of its regular customers, the Neighbourbook Watch is an opportunity to have books delivered free of charge by a neighbour.

By filling in a request slip stating what book you would like based on author, genre or lucky dip, if the library has it in stock, an appointed Neighbourbook Watch officer will pick up and deliver the book to your letterbox. The school hopes this will bring neighbours together, promote a caring society and help engage all members of local community, even if they can’t make it in store.

Looking forward to this year’s return, the school’s community co-ordinator Lisa Mitchell, says: “We are excited to be bringing the award winning BIG Little Library back this year. We are forever indebted to Belle Vale Shopping Centre for giving us this amazing opportunity again, and for at least double the length of time!

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to truly embed the work we began last year, our Little Library Network, workshops with primary schools and supporting our own students and the wider community.

“We can’t wait to share our love of books and reading again, as well as launch our new initiative, Neighbourbook Watch, inspired by one of last years much loved customers!”