Children help to open Halifax Little Free Library

The Halifax Community Fridge has been one of most impactful initiatives during the pandemic in Calderdale.

It’s remained opened every-single day of the year, and welcomes around 40 families daily.

Since it’s inception, over 60,000 items of food and drink have left the fridge and gone back into the community, helping feed those who visit it daily.

The fridge is situated on the grounds of Madni Mosque on Gibbet Street.

The organisers of the fridge have launched another initiative which intends to bring the community together.

Disadvantaged children often don’t have access to reading, with one in 11 not even having a book of their own.

With that in mind, on Monday, May 10, which coincided with the 27th of Ramadan, local children from the community helped open the Halifax Little Free Library which lies adjacent to the Halifax Community Fridge. Its aim is two-fold, to encourage the reading and sharing of books, all whilst increasing literacy rates.

Local organiser Hassan Riaz said: “The Community Fridge has gained the support of everyone in this community.

“It’s now a valuable resource locally, and helps prevent anyone going to sleep hungry.

“In the same spirit, we launched the Halifax Little Free Library.

“The inspiration behind the library comes from the Qur’an, which is often reported to have been revealed on the 27th of Ramadan.

“The very first word in the Qur’an is simple, ‘Read’. With that in mind we launched the Halifax Little Free Library, hoping to encourage people to read and share books.”

The library was designed by Elli Clarke, Will Godfrey and Raja Ali. At the opening local author Sarah Stone was present along with copies of her book, The Dragons of Wainhouse Tower.

The library is open seven-days-a-week.