There’s a novel idea turning pages in a new Leicestershire community this May and it’s bound to bring the community together.

In celebration of National Share a Story Month, housebuilder David Wilson Homes has launched a brand new chapter in its community-building efforts with the installation of a vibrant ‘Free Little Library’ at its Thorpebury in the Limes development in Thorpebury. The mini library – painted in David Wilson Homes’ signature blue – now takes pride of place on a public walkway by the housebuilder’s marketing suite, backing onto open green space. 

Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to ‘take a book, leave a book’, whether it’s a childhood classic, a gripping thriller, or that biography you promised you would read three years ago. The developer’s aim with the new addition to the development is to create a space for community connection, story-sharing, and perhaps the odd book discovery. 

The initiative ties in with National Share a Story Month, which is a nationwide campaign held every May, run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups. The theme for 2025 is “A Land Before Time – Stories of Dinosaurs, Myths and Legends”, aiming to spark imagination in children and adults alike through storytelling and book-sharing events.

Whilst the campaign is primarily focused on children, the Free Little Library is open to readers of all chapters of life, offering a chance for everyone to get stuck into a good story. John Reddington, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “We are always looking for creative ways to bring people together at our developments, and what better way than through a shared love of reading.

“Our Free Little Library at Thorpebury in the Limes offers residents, passersby and visitors the chance to enjoy a story or pass one on, and we hope it becomes a well-loved feature in the community. It’s also our small way of supporting National Share a Story Month – and who knows, someone might just discover their new favourite book here.” 

Located on Barkbythorpe Road, Thorpebury in the Limes currently has a variety of three and four bedroom properties available to purchase.