Preston People: Little free Library Lancashire

On our Society1 social channels, we run a regular feature called #PrestonPeople, where we shine a spotlight on inspiring local people, groups, and businesses.

In this edition, we caught up with Helen Brady, the driving force behind Little Free Library Lancashire. Keep reading to discover how this brilliant initiative is bringing books, community, and creativity to Preston!

Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:

HB: My name is Helen and I am a freelance event manager. I work collaboratively across multiple sectors to produce and deliver high quality events, content and programmes. Everything from Conferences and Awards Ceremonies to Creative Workshops and Roundtables.  However, one of my passion projects this year has been setting up Little Free Library Lancashire. I did what everyone does in January and had a moment of ‘I want to do something different’ and my childhood obsession with libraries led me to this project. We are currently self-funded but I have grand plans for corporate sponsorship and funding grants to support further rollout of libraries across the county!
 
Society1: How does a city like Preston benefit from a little free library?

HB: I’m a big believer in the fact if you don’t give people nice things, they will never get the opportunity to embrace them so although many people have come back to me with concerns about vandalism and other such issues along the way with this project, I wanted to go ahead anyway and see how it would go. Little Free Libraries are intended to be self-sustaining community assets so I hope the people of Preston take the library under their wing and look after it, sharing their reads and perhaps giving other people access to books they may not normally have. The only thing better than a really good book, is a FREE really good book!

Society1: What’s the protocol? Where can our readers find the library?

HB: Our first library, (hopefully the first of many!) has been installed in Winckley Square, right in the heart of the City Centre. I love Winckley Square, it’s glorious in all seasons and I really hope that its visitors utilise the library and find it a lovely addition. Little Free Libraries are free book-sharing boxes for everyone to use. They are for neighbours, friends and passers-by, the whole community. You can take a free book to read anytime; there is no need to leave one right away, when you have finished, return the book back, share it with a friend or leave a different one next time you’re passing

Society1: Aside from the Little Free Library, what are some of your other favourite spots in Preston?

HB: Preston is full of great independent businesses; there are brilliant spots all over town to get a brew, a pint, a glass of wine or a bite to eat. My new obsession is Saucier, the quality and value there is unreal and I’m also over-the moon that Winedown has opened back up and I’ll be heading there really soon and raising a glass to Dougie!

Thanks for chatting to us, Helen!

Be sure to check out The Little Free Library and get involved – Take a Book, leave a book! 

Instagram: @littlefreelibrarylancs

Helen’s Linkedin: Helen Brady

Society1 is an independent coworking space in the heart of Preston city centre. It is a vibrant and creative space with a wonderful community and a busy events programme. If you work from home, a freelancer, small business owner, soloprenuer and need a place to work. Come check us out www.society1.co.uk.