Three 'little library' book exchanges open

Penguin Books has opened 90 mini libraries around the country

New "little libraries" have opened as part of Penguin Books' 90th birthday celebrations.

More than 2,000 towns and villages applied to receive a little library from the company with just 90 being successful, including Morpeth, in Northumberland, and the Teesside towns of Hartlepool and Redcar.

The publisher gives each new library 25 books to launch a free exchange service managed by a local steward.

Lyndsay Hogg, steward of the Hartlepool library on Worset Lane, said she hoped it would become a landmark for people in the area to walk to and "share the joy of reading".

Ms Hogg was planning to open her own book exchange when she stumbled across the scheme.

"I was searching for where to find a book exchange bod when I found the Penguin competition," she said.

"It gives the community something to talk about and hopefully people in Hartlepool will walk out and talk about books on their way home."

The little libraries operate as a free book exchange

Local Labour MP Jonathan Brash said: "What an incredible achievement for Hartlepool, and it's all thanks to the vision, passion and determination of the brilliant Lyndsay Hogg.

"Her love of reading and commitment to our community are truly inspiring."

The library in Morpeth can be found on Church Walk and the one in Redcar is on Lumley Road.

Rebecca Sinclair, chief brand officer at Penguin Books, said: "Books and reading are a great way to build connections and create communities, and the sheer amount of interest we received shows just how much people are looking for this."