Brimlestone is more than just a tiny library—it's a gathering place for storytellers, readers, and neighbors who share a passion for local narratives and cultural preservation.
Explore Our Stories
Since our launch in February 2023, Brimlestone has evolved from a simple book exchange to a vibrant hub that nurtures local literary talent and preserves neighborhood stories. What began as a passion project between three friends has grown into a community initiative supported by dozens of volunteers, local businesses, and cultural organizations.
Our community includes writers documenting the rapidly changing East London landscape, elderly residents sharing oral histories that might otherwise be lost, schoolchildren discovering the joy of storytelling, and visitors from around the world who take a piece of our local narrative back with them.
Through monthly events, workshops, and impromptu gatherings, we've created a space where stories flow freely between generations, cultures, and backgrounds—all within the intimate confines of our beloved telephone booth.
What started as an informal gathering of three poets meeting at Brimlestone has blossomed into the Brick Lane Poets Collective, now comprising 17 local writers. Every Thursday evening, they meet near our booth to share new work, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects.
Their first anthology, "Voices from the Booth," features poems inspired by conversations overheard and connections made at our tiny library. The collection has sold over 200 copies, with proceeds supporting literacy programs at local schools.
When developers announced plans to renovate parts of the historic Spitalfields Market, our community rallied to preserve its stories. Over six months, volunteers recorded interviews with 35 longtime market traders, some of whose families had held stalls for generations.
These oral histories were transcribed, edited, and compiled into a limited-edition book that now serves as both a community treasure and a historical document. The project has been recognized by the East London Historical Society for its contribution to local heritage preservation.
In partnership with three local primary schools, we established the Young Writers Program, which introduces children ages 8-11 to the art of storytelling with a focus on local themes. Each term, students visit Brimlestone for inspiration before developing their own narratives about their neighborhood.
The program culminates in a published anthology of student work, with copies available in our booth and in school libraries. Parents report that children who previously showed little interest in reading or writing now eagerly create stories about their community experiences.
On the first Tuesday of each month, we host local authors for intimate readings beside our booth. These gatherings typically attract 15-20 attendees who squeeze into the space around the telephone booth, creating a uniquely cozy literary atmosphere. Past readers have included published novelists, self-published memoirists, and emerging poets—all with ties to East London.
Our quarterly writing workshops focus on different aspects of storytelling, from capturing oral histories to crafting neighborhood-inspired fiction. Led by professional writers with teaching experience, these sessions welcome participants of all skill levels. Many workshop pieces eventually find their way into our collection, creating a beautiful cycle of community-generated literature.
Explore East London's rich literary heritage with our monthly walking tours that begin and end at Brimlestone. These two-hour journeys through the streets of Spitalfields, Whitechapel, and Shoreditch highlight locations featured in both classic and contemporary literature, as well as the homes and haunts of notable writers connected to the area.
Our tiny library is maintained entirely by dedicated volunteers who share a passion for literature, community, and preserving local culture. From retired teachers who organize our collection to students who help with social media, each volunteer brings unique skills and perspectives to our project.
Volunteers commit to at least four hours monthly, helping with tasks ranging from booth maintenance and book curation to event organization and community outreach. Many report that their time with Brimlestone has deepened their connection to the neighborhood and introduced them to a diverse network of like-minded individuals.
We're always welcoming new volunteers to join our growing family. If you're interested in contributing your time and talents to Brimlestone, please visit our Contact page to learn more about current opportunities.
Become a Volunteer
When I moved to London from Romania three years ago, I felt isolated and disconnected from my new surroundings. Finding Brimlestone changed everything. Through their local history collection, I learned about the waves of immigrants who had made East London their home over centuries. Now I volunteer twice monthly and have contributed my own story to the collection.
As the owner of a café just down the street from Brimlestone, I've witnessed firsthand how this tiny library has transformed our block. Not only has it increased foot traffic for local businesses, but it's created a sense of place and identity that was previously missing. The booth has become a landmark that people seek out, bringing new visitors to our neighborhood.
My grandmother lived in Spitalfields her entire life but rarely spoke about her experiences. When she learned about Brimlestone's oral history project, something changed. At 92, she recorded her memories of the area during the Blitz and her life as a market trader. Having her story preserved and valued by the community brought her so much joy in her final years.
There are many ways to become part of Brimlestone community:
Whether you're a lifelong East Londoner or a visitor passing through, you have a place in our story. Reach out to learn more about current opportunities and upcoming events.
Contact Us