Penguin is a behemoth in the bookselling world. In the 1930s, it became beloved for bringing inexpensive paperbacks to the masses. Now, 90 years later, it is by far the UK’s largest publisher (as part of Penguin Random House), and we’d wager the English publishing house takes up over half your bookcase in some way or another.
To celebrate its 90th birthday, Penguin is changing the book game again with a brand-new community-led project: 90 Little Book Stops. Teaming up with non-profit Little Free Library to run a network of book exchange spots, these will be dotted throughout UK neighbourhoods and run by volunteer stewards.
“Widening access to books is at the heart of Penguin’s origin story,” said Rebecca Sinclair, chief brand officer at Penguin. “Books and reading are a wonderful way to build connections and create communities and we hope that our 90 Little Book Stops will enable that in the locations lucky enough to have one. We’re excited to work with a community of stewards to connect books with readers and to champion the ongoing power of reading.”
How will Little Book Stops work?
To reach all of the UK, Little Book Stops will be popping up in local parks, town squares, and on street corners across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each will be installed with an initial curation of children’s and adult books. After that, you’re free to take a book and leave a book. Open 24/7, a local steward will run them and ensure there’s always something inside to read.
How can I apply to have a book exchange in my neighbourhood?
To have a Little Book Stop in your area, Penguin wants you to answer four key questions:
- Why is access to books important at this location?
- What impact do you think a Little Book Stop will have on this community?
- Does this Little Book Stop aim to celebrate a local individual or organisation that champions reading?
- How do you plan to look after the Little Book Stop as a steward?
You’ll also have to provide a proposed location of the Little Book Stop and information about other book-sharing initiatives in the area. You have until May 1 at 11.59pm to complete the application, with a panel of judges to decide on the 90 locations by the end of June.
To apply to be part of 90 Little Book Stops head here.