lockdown leads to library launch

Fourteen boxes full of books, CDs and DVDs line the pavement by the wall of Christina’s house in Leith.

by Christina West

The countrywide lockdown caused by the Covid 19 virus pushed me to start something which I have been thinking about and intending to do for some years.

I set up a small local library which gave me something positive to work on over the months we were stuck at home self isolating as a family member is in the high risk shielding category. It also gave me a way of getting hold of fresh books to read when I could not get to charity shops or the local council library as I would usually do, and also to help the local community at the same time.

I have Aspergers syndrome and one of my special interests is reading. My Aspergers went undiagnosed until nine years ago when I was 40. I also suffer from a form of dyslexia and, despite being virtually unable to read books or anything written on the blackboard at school, this too went undiagnosed and untreated until relatively recently. It is only in the last few years that I have been able to train myself to read full length books and, naturally, I want to make up for all that lost time.

I started the library with only two boxes of my own books which I had been intending to take to a charity shop and it has now expanded to 14 boxes, thanks to the generosity of neighbours. It turns out that several of them were in the same position as me, with time on their hands to spring clean and declutter, with nowhere else to donate to, and also having more time to read because of lockdown .

Five boxes and a hoola hoop are displayed on the pavement.

I started the library on April 25, putting tubs of books along the pavement outside our garden every day, weather permitting, and people can donate books, swap for others, and return them after reading. Soon, others started having clear outs and giving away various unwanted items such as toys, musical instruments, paint and other DIY goods, as well as fresh milk and food. This had really built up a strong sense of community during these uncertain times. Over the months the library has expanded to include jigsaws, CDs and DVDs.

It has also really helped me by giving me confidence to talk to more neighbours and to get outdoors, both of which I found difficult in the past due to my Aspergers.

To combat the reduced opportunities to put the library outdoors over the winter because of poor weather and reduced daylight hours, I have recently set up a local library page on Facebook so people can see photos of what is available and select books from the virtual library shelves.

To date there have been very few problems other than having to remove fallen flower heads and leaves from bushes overhanging the boxes of books and I am looking forward to keeping this venture going for the foreseeable future.

Christina has helped her local community and herself, keeping everyone in the neighbourhood engaged during Covid-19 and building opportunities for interaction. Has her story inspired you to help in your community? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below…