The Little Free Library in Stockbridge is reopening after being destroyed by winter storms last year.
The community book exchange was blown down in January 2025 and damaged beyond repair – but will finally return on 8 September.
Founder Rachel Hazell has commissioned Mull-based boatbuilder Yann Jameson to reconstruct the replacement using locally sourced larch.
The new structure features three coats of marine-grade oil to protect the collection of shared books from the Scottish weather.
The exchange was initially installed in 2016 and became a fixture for residents, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
It is registered as Little Free Library #36444 within a global network of more than 200,000 free book exchanges across 128 countries.
The worldwide movement began in 2009, inspired by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie – who around the turn of the 20th century funded the creation of 2,509 free public libraries across the English-speaking world – and operates on the principle of readers taking and sharing books.
Rachel Hazell, founder and bookbinder, said: “When I first installed the library in 2016, the idea was simply to share books I’d loved and to support my belief that everyone has a book inside them.
“Over the years it became something much bigger than that, particularly during lockdown, when people told me it was a source of comfort, connection and escape.
“When it was destroyed in the storms, I was heartbroken. It’s taken longer than I’d hoped to find the right person to build a replacement, but Yann has created something truly special and robust.
“I take my role as librarian very seriously, although admittedly the collection isn’t organised according to the Dewey Decimal System. I try to keep it well stocked, though sometimes the new titles that appear on the shelves are very tempting.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see it return. It belongs to the community as much as it does to me, and I can’t wait to see people using it again.”
Local resident Barbara said: “It’s been strange walking past the empty spot all year – the library was always a nice excuse to stop for a minute, get my bearings and see what’s new. Glad to have it back, and it looks better built than ever – very smart!”
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