News / Montpelier

Bristol’s latest little library

By Martin Booth  Wednesday Jun 16, 2021

A father and daughter have teamed up to create Bristol’s newest ‘little library’.

Alan Russell is calling his creation the Book Swap Shack. Made by him, it has been painted by his 19-year-old daughter, Isla, known on Instagram as Isla_Art.

The latest little library follows a growing trend, with more than two dozen located across the city.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

“St Andrew’s Park has one so we thought why not Montpelier Park?” said Alan Russell – photo: Martin Booth

The Book Swap Shack has been positioned on a tree in the children’s playground area of Montpelier Park.

Writing on a local Facebook group, Alan explained that it is “made mostly from recycled pallets found around the streets of sunny Monty (plus some secondhand slates from, er, Scotland… and an old computer monitor for the window”.

He added: “Please feel free to enjoy a good read ladies and gents! Children’s books would be welcome as I wasn’t allowed to part with any for sentimental reasons.”

A look at some of the books inside Montpelier’s new Book Swap Shack – photo: Martin Booth

Spending on buying new books in Bristol’s libraries is proposed to be cut by £30,000 as part of the creation of a new ‘Regeneration Service’ at Bristol City Council.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Interactive map shows where to find all the little libraries in Bristol 

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles

Related articles

Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning