Scotland's Little Free Libraries

The very first library was created by Todd Bol in 2009, who crafted the box in the shape of a one room schoolhouse to memorialise his mother, a former school teacher and avid reader. Although Todd has since passed away, his library lives on, and the movement has continued to thrive with thousands of individual libraries located around the globe. It’s a grassroots movement that celebrates a love of books and makes them accessible to their local communities. The libraries themselves come in all shapes and sizes; from a few dedicated shelves in a community centre, to purpose made boxes placed in hedges and on fences. Each library is completely unique, from the design and decor of the library itself, to the books within.

Starting with Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is a hub for Little Free Libraries, and you’ll find more than 20 spread throughout the community. In Stockbridge you’ll find a rustic wooden library in Teviotdale Place, and a quirky, colourful little library shaped like a house in Comely Bank Road. The Dalry Colonies near Haymarket is home to a wooden library box tucked into a hedge, and Dickens on Dundas Street have their own little red library just outside their office.