RYEDALE’S first Little Free Library has opened in Norton.

The library has been set up thanks to the efforts of Sarah Tyson from literary events consultancy Books Up North and a host of other volunteers.

It is located, by kind permission of the Wardens, in the grounds of St Peter’s Church on Langton Road.

Sarah said: "Last autumn I approached Norton Town Council requesting its help to identify a suitable site that would be safe, practical and be accessible to the residents and Cllr Di Keal suggested the church grounds.

"It is perfect because lots of people use the footpath to cut through to Beverley Road from Langton Road, via the cemetery, and it is also close the local primary and secondary schools."

The free library is available for everyone to access but Sarah urges everyone to use it responsibly and to follow the current government guidance regarding the coronavirus.

All of the books have been donated by people in the community.

Sarah said: “My family built the library last summer, inspired by a book that I was given for my birthday. We used off-cuts of wood and old tins of paint from the garage. We had hoped to get it up and running in September but the project hit an obstacle when we realised the library needed a base.”

"Thomas Webborn from the Lime Tree Cottage Forest School. offered to donate a tree stump and within a week it was up and running. Very quickly a team of volunteers came forward to help keep an eye on stock levels and Inprint Colour has generously produced a sign for the railings.

She said:“There is a real buzz about the free library on social media and it is so nice to hear about people enjoying visiting it and discovering a book they would like to read. .”

"I would like to thank everyone who has donated books and supported the project in any way."

To find out more about the International Charity visit littlefreelibrary.org and search for Charter No. #104319 to find Norton’s Little Free Library..