Unused Launton bus shelter transformed into village library

The Launton village library, located one-mile east of Bicester, was opened on Saturday, April 25, and is stocked entirely with books donated by local people.

Sienna, 10, and Austin Smith, eight, cut the ribbon at the former Station Road shelter as dozens of residents gathered to be the first to browse the shelves.

Austin and Sienna Smith after cutting the ribbon (Image: Contributed)

The project began early last year, started by Kate Greig, one of the organisers, to give another life to the bus shelter, which had not been used for some time due to bus route changes.

Gathering outside the new Launton Bus Shelter Library to see what the shelves offer. (Image: Contributed)

Kate Greig, one of the organisers, approached fellow villager Mary Carter about giving the disused shelter a new purpose.

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Within weeks, Helen Pattinson had joined the team and they successfully approached the parish council for support. Eleanor Shakespeare came on board just as councillors agreed to back the project.

Volunteers working to re-furbish the inside of the new Launton village library (Image: Contributed)

Volunteers, Adrian and Mick Jennison, cleared and repainted the interior, pinned-up notices on the new board, moved the litter bin outside, and freshened-up the existing bench, so visitors can rest while they make their choices.

Bespoke shelving was built by Cliff Carter with wood donated by Darren and the team at Jewson Bicester.

Volunteering team at work to refurbish the outside of the new Launton village library and install the colourfulign (Image: Contributed)

Outside the new library, hooks have been installed so dogs can be tied up while owners browse, a bright, temporary sign was added to the exterior, and a new dog waste bin has been installed up the road.

Ms Greig, said: “We have a wonderful range of books all given by people in Launton, including fiction, non-fiction, DIY, gardening, and lots of children’s books.

“We had a wonderful turn out for the opening and hope the library will be a regular stop off for people.”

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A week before the launch, a coffee, cake and raffle morning, with prizes provided by The Book House in Thame, was held at Lamb Cottage in West End to raise donations for the library.

Ms Greig added: “It has been a real community project and of course, huge thanks to everyone in the village and further afield who has donated books.

“This is not a lending library, so people are free to take books, but won’t need to return them – but of course we depend on people continuing to donate books, which can be left at Carmore on Station Road in Launton, next to Jewsons.”