We’re bringing people together through books, art and learning. Help us create free, welcoming community spaces in London and Essex—where curiosity is encouraged and everyone belongs.
Coming up · DagenhamOur first free book pop-up →Take, swap or read · Date to be confirmedA new charitable initiative. Registration application submitted 18 October 2026; approval pending. Our projects are in development.
We are seeking suitable spaces and practical support. Opening dates and locations will be announced once arrangements are in place.
Our visionBooks unlock futures.
Whether you read every day or are finding your way back to books, there will be a place for you. We want to turn suitable unused spaces into free places to discover a story, follow an interest and enjoy learning at your own pace.
Our visionOne book. A new beginning.
A book you have finished could be someone else’s next discovery. Our planned book-sharing points will make it easy for stories and ideas to travel through the community.
Our visionA painting can tell a thousand stories.
Art can open a conversation and help us see the world through someone else’s eyes. We plan free displays, gallery-style corners and pop-up exhibitions that introduce local creativity, different cultures and the stories behind the work. No knowledge of art will be needed.
We’re looking for a suitable unused space to bring books and local art together. We’ll start with what the space allows, then grow with community support.
Have a space, books, artwork or time to offer? Help us shape the first project.
Let’s bring it to life ↗Projects are in development. Locations, events and opening dates will be announced once confirmed.
Open Door Libraries Trust aims to create welcoming, inclusive community spaces where people from all backgrounds, cultures, and generations can come together through books, art, education, and creativity.
Explore the ideas behind our plans.
The charity aims to advance education by providing free access to books, reading facilities, community libraries, book exchanges, educational resources, and learning opportunities. Alongside its commitment to literacy and lifelong learning, the charity seeks to celebrate the diversity of human experiences through the display and appreciation of art from different cultures, communities, and age groups.
Through exhibitions, creative displays, books, and educational activities, Open Door Libraries Trust aims to showcase the work, stories, traditions, perspectives, and imaginations of people from diverse backgrounds. This could include artwork created by children, young people, adults, older people, emerging artists, and established artists, helping visitors discover different ways of seeing and understanding the world.
The charity aspires to bring art and literature together to create meaningful educational experiences that encourage curiosity, cultural awareness, creativity, understanding, and connection between people. By making books and artistic expression accessible to the public, it hopes to help individuals explore different cultures, learn about society, appreciate different perspectives, and discover the shared experiences that connect humanity.
A story can give us something to talk about, introduce an unfamiliar experience or help us recognise something of our own lives. We want our future spaces to make those everyday discoveries easier, with free books, room for curiosity and a friendly welcome.
You will not need to be a confident reader or know which book to choose. Our aim is to make reading feel approachable, whether you want a quiet moment, a new interest or a chance to connect with other people.
Open Door Libraries Trust also aims to provide peaceful, welcoming environments where people can step away from the pressures of everyday life, spend time reading, appreciate art, explore ideas, and enjoy moments of reflection and inspiration. These spaces would encourage people to slow down, reconnect with their interests, and engage with the world through learning, imagination, and creativity.
Inclusion and accessibility are central to the charity's vision. The charity aims to reduce financial and practical barriers to educational resources and create opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to books, art, and cultural learning experiences.
Ultimately, Open Door Libraries Trust seeks to build a stronger sense of community by bringing together education, literature, art, and cultural diversity. Its vision is to create spaces where every generation can learn, every culture can be appreciated, creativity can be shared, and people can connect through the power of knowledge, imagination, and artistic expression.
We plan to make our book services free. Visitors will be able to take an available book without paying, donating, bringing a replacement or proving financial need.
Open Door Libraries Trust began with a simple idea: access to books and opportunities to learn should be within everyone’s reach.
We want to help create welcoming community spaces where people can discover a book, enjoy reading and explore something new—without cost standing in the way. A shared book can offer a new perspective, spark an interest or become the beginning of a lifelong love of learning.
Our founding team is working together to turn that idea into practical plans. We are starting in Dagenham, seeking suitable spaces and support for free community libraries, book exchanges and local art displays, with a wider focus on London and Essex.
We submitted our charity registration application on 18 October 2026 and are awaiting the Charity Commission’s decision. Our first projects remain in development, and we welcome conversations with people who would like to help us take the next step.
Our mission is to bring unused spaces to life through free community libraries, book exchanges and community art spaces—helping people discover books, explore art and learn together.
We aim to find affordable premises and bring suitable unused or underused spaces back into community use. Working with property owners and local organisations, we hope to create welcoming places for books, reading, local art and lifelong learning, subject to the resources and permissions needed.
We aim to remove financial barriers to reading, provide access to books and educational resources, and support literacy and lifelong learning. Our initial practical focus is London and Essex, with a charitable purpose for the public benefit in England and Wales.
As resources and suitable support become available, we plan to develop educational programmes and learning activities. Everyone is welcome. We recommend that children visit with a parent or responsible adult.
Our commitment: our planned book services will be free. No payment, donation, replacement book or proof of financial need will be required to take an available book.
Books, art and new connections. Here’s what we’re planning across Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Redbridge. Dates and venues will appear here once confirmed.
Our first pop-up event is planned in Dagenham, offering free books to take, swap or sit and read. Discover your next story, share a book if you wish, or simply enjoy reading. You don’t need to bring a book to take one.
Discover a local artist’s work in a planned free display alongside the books. Short, accessible introductions will explore the artist’s ideas, influences and the stories behind the artwork. You won’t need any previous knowledge of art.
A planned free, informal conversation with a featured local artist. Hear how their work takes shape, explore its themes and ask questions—or simply listen and enjoy discovering something new.
These are planned activities, not confirmed bookings. Everyone is welcome; we recommend that children visit with a parent or responsible adult.
Ask to join our event updates list for news of confirmed dates, local art displays and our first opening.
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Discover public libraries and reading spaces across London and Essex. These are independent venues, not operated by or affiliated with Open Door Libraries Trust.
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A local library in Rainham, Havering. Explore the council’s library information before your visit.
Official visitor information ↗A public library in Epping. Visit Essex Library Service for current opening times and services.
Essex Library Service ↗A public library within the Barbican Centre, with books and music resources.
Official visitor information ↗A public library and learning venue at 321 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BU. Check the official website for current services and opening times.
Official visitor information ↗Explore reading and study opportunities at St Pancras. A free Reader Pass is required to use the Reading Rooms.
Reading Rooms and access ↗Visitor links reviewed 13 October 2026. For corrections or suggestions, contact us.
A book you’ve loved. A little of your time. An idea worth sharing. There are many ways to help build something welcoming for your community.
Please contact us before delivering books or visiting. We do not yet have an operating library or a public drop-off point.
Have books or educational resources you would like to offer? Tell us what you have so we can discuss suitability and future collection arrangements.
Discuss a book donation ↗Register your interest in helping with future library sessions, organising books, supporting learning activities or setting up community art displays.
Enquire about volunteering ↗We welcome interest from people of all backgrounds, cultures and generations, including emerging and established artists. Tell us about your work and your interest in future displays, pop-up exhibitions or a meet-the-artist event alongside our book spaces. A short introduction, a few images or a portfolio link, and the story behind your work will help us explore a suitable display. Opportunities will depend on the space and programme available.
Enquire about community art ↗We would like to hear from community organisations, local businesses and property owners about suitable spaces for books and community art in Dagenham, London and Essex.
Talk about a potential space ↗Our proposed founding trustees are working together on our first projects while the Charity Commission considers our registration application.
Our founding team brings a shared commitment to making books, reading and learning more accessible. Together, we are preparing the governance and practical arrangements needed to get started.
Not yet. Open Door Libraries Trust submitted its application to register as a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 18 October 2026. Approval is pending. Our application reference is 5301606; this is not a charity registration number.
Use our library finder to explore existing public libraries and reading spaces across London and Essex. Search by town or postcode, browse featured libraries, or view the map.
These are independent venues, not operated by Open Door Libraries Trust. Our own library spaces are still being planned; confirmed locations and opening arrangements will be announced here.
Our planned library and book-exchange services will be free. You may swap a book if you wish, but you will not need to bring one to take an available book.
Yes. We plan free public exhibitions and creative displays alongside our books. Clear introductions to the artists, their work and its cultural context will help visitors explore different perspectives. We welcome interest from emerging and established artists across generations. Occasional meet-the-artist events are also planned. Dates, venues and visitor information will be shared once confirmed.
Not at all. Our planned displays will be for curious visitors as well as people who already enjoy art. We aim to provide short explanations of the work and the ideas behind it. You can take your time, form your own impressions and join conversations if you wish.
Our venues are still being arranged. When a location or event is confirmed, we will publish the address, opening or event times, booking arrangements and the access information available for that space. Please contact us about any access requirements so we can discuss what will be possible before you travel.
Of course! Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, background or experience. Children are welcome with a parent, carer or another responsible adult.
We are not collecting financial donations through this website at present. You can contact us about future support, book offers or potential partnerships.
Have books to share, a space to offer or an idea for a community event? Let’s start a conversation.
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