A UNIQUE free library in West Oxfordshire has been a roaring success since it first came into being a year ago.

Freeland Parish Council’s Little Free Library Project involves a small box of books located in the heart of the village.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to take books from the box and donate books themselves. It is believed that more than 2,000 books have passed through the Little Free Library in its first 12 months.

The project came about when councillor Matthew Ruddle, inspired by an idea which started in America in 2009, successfully applied for a Community Activities Grant of £350 from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Mr Ruddle said: “It is not a traditional library, in that there is no permanent collection, rather books come and go as they are donated and taken by members of the community using the book exchange.

“I’m amazed at how successful this project has been in the village. When we first set it up, we had no idea if people would use it, or be willing to donate their used books, but people have been very generous, and have really embraced the concept of the Little Free Library.

"People are always coming up to me, telling me how much they love it.”

Mr Ruddle first came across Little Free Libraries when he lived in the US. The very first Little Free Library was opened in Wisconsin in 2009, and it has since become a global phenomenon, with an estimated 36,000 similar libraries all over the world.

Freeland’s Little Free Library serves all members of the community, and even has a shelf designated for children’s books.

The parish council put their Little Free Library roughly in the middle of the village, about halfway between the village hall and school, in an attempt to make it as accessible as possible.

Mr Ruddle said: “I think it’s so successful because, in general, people like getting things for free, and this project is very much owned by the community. They are the ones who donate and take the books.

“I think people like knowing that a book they enjoyed reading is being shared in the community for someone else to read.

“The book exchange creates links between people and that is great in any community. I think people like the element of surprise. You never know what you are going to find, because different books are coming and going all the time.”

For more information, visit freelandlittlefreelibrary.wordpress.com or search for Freeland Little Free Library on Facebook.