Villagers in Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset got together to turn their old phonebox into a library. The Book Exchange now has more than 150 books and DVDs in the tiny kiosk and has become a real focal point for the community, and beyond; worldwide media coverage has seen book donations coming in from all over the world.
The iconic and much loved village phonebox was offered to the community to purchase for £1 in BT's Adopt a Kiosk project in 2009. There was some initial resistance from locals, who felt they were losing something near and dear to them. But by creating the Book Exchange – a concept suggested by Janet Fisher of the village – the local community has had the opportunity to create something that benefits everyone.
Parish Councillor Bob Dolby was right behind the project from the beginning and is extremely proud that it now delivers countless benefits. Start-up costs were minimal, some wooden shelves and signage were all that we needed, and the Book Exchange offers a truly valuable and popular service for the community.
"When we temporarily lost the mobile library, we lost an important part of the community," commented Bob. "We had the opportunity to not only retain our local heritage through the iconic phonebox, but also create a service that is genuinely useful and benefits everyone in the community. In addition, we are also promoting literacy – let's just say that it's really ticked every 'box'."
Having put Westbury-sub-Mendip on the literary map, the residents are thrilled with the outcome of the project and the value it adds to the village. They even celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Book Exchange with a tea party in the community square. The project has also gained international acclaim and worldwide coverage. In fact, book donations are coming in from all over the world, including direct gifts from authors.
