In 2022, I took an old, empty phone box in Sheffield and turned it into something a little different: The Hidden Library.

Since then, the phone box has become so much more than a place to swap books. It has been filled with books donated by the community, discovered by passers-by and shared between strangers. I've had lovely messages from people who have found a favourite book there, discovered a new author or simply enjoyed having somewhere to browse.

And now, our little library needs some TLC.

The structure of the phone box needs some repairs, and a joiner is coming on 12 October 2026 to carry out the work. The repair itself is being arranged and funded by Ant Marketing, but we need to raise £750 towards the materials needed to give the phone box the care it needs (any extra raised will be used to improve the interior of the phone box, I.e. shelves)

So I'm asking the community, that has helped make The Hidden Library what it is today, to help as much as they can. Whether you can donate or simply share this fundraiser with someone who might like to help, every little bit will make a difference (and it would mean the world to me!!)

This little phone box was created to give books another life and now I’d love to give the phone box itself a little bit of care in return. I'd love to make sure it can continue doing exactly that for many years to come.

With your help, we can keep The Hidden Library standing and make sure it can continue to give books, stories and readers a place to meet for many more years to come ❤️

Thank you for being part of The Hidden Library.

Melissa x

Cost breakdown:

3 telephone signs - £30 each + VAT

Telephone box paint primer - £35.84 + VAT

Telephone box paint currant red - £53.25 +VAT

K6 Glazing Kit Option C - £580.00 +VAT

K6 small poly window - £4.77 + VAT

6 Glazing Sealant Clear - £3.50 ea + VAT

3 red sealant - £28.50 ea + VAT