Always on
This project successfully funded on 3rd April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Fairfield Playground Little Free Library
Lancaster, United Kingdom
Aim
To raise money to build and support the placement of a little free library for children at the Fairfield Playground.
Lynne Davies-Craine, a local mother, who initiated the project, explained her motivation for starting the library. “I watched an episode of Chanel 4’s Educating Yorkshire, where a year 7 boy (11years old), had a reading age of 5, and it was clear how much he was struggling in school. I’ve worked with teenagers and my whole family are teachers, I know how important reading is for children and their future, so I felt bringing reading to a place where children already play, might help encourage them to enjoy reading.
“The statistics are quite shocking, and recently The Times have started a ‘Get Britain Reading’ Campaign, and the Government have named 2026 as 'The Year of Reading'. 'One in five children aged 11 to 13 now never pick up a book voluntarily, and parents are reading less frequently to their children.' In 2025, the percentage of children and young people who told us they enjoyed reading was its lowest in 20 years.“
Fairfield Playground is a much loved local community space, visited by many children and families in the area, and across Lancaster and district, with it being so close to the nature reserve and orchard too. It will be a great asset which will be accessible to a wide range of children, sparking their love of reading.
We are looking at placing a small library, which is accessible by the children themselves, (aiming for toddlers through primary school age), outside the toddler area of the playground, (after conducting a small poll of parents via parent whatsapp groups, this was chosen as the best spot).
Children will be able to choose a book and sit on the benches to read, return it to the library, or take it home and bring it back another day. We are currently exploring the options of getting the library made, and who can support us with this. Fairfield Association have already begun fundraising with the proceeds of their annual carol singing in December.
Please support this community Little Free Library and contribute what you can today.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made