The Book Hogg

24/06/2026

I noticed my favourite book is back in the box today!

The Giver of Stars is a historical fiction novel set in Depression-era Kentucky during the 1930s.

The story follows Alice Wright, a young Englishwoman who moves to America after marrying a handsome Kentuckian, only to discover that life in rural Kentucky is far from the adventure she imagined. Seeking independence and purpose, Alice joins a group of remarkable women who deliver books on horseback to isolated communities as part of the Pack Horse Library Project. As the women brave harsh terrain, prejudice and personal challenges, they form deep friendships and help transform the lives of the people they serve through the power of reading.

Heartwarming, inspiring and based on a real historical initiative, The Giver of Stars is a story of friendship, courage, resilience and the life-changing impact of books. It celebrates strong women who challenge expectations and fight for their freedom in a time when opportunities for women were limited.

⭐ A perfect read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, female-led stories and uplifting tales of community and determination.

22/06/2026

❤️

Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Lyndsay Hogg!

“We are not in the most affluent town, so incentives like this make such a difference to morale,” Lyndsay said. Once installed, her library—“The Book Hogg”—became a local sensation, inspiring authors to drop off signed copies of their books and prompting the local council to commit to building 11 more book-sharing boxes. “I am a single mum of two boys who just wants to show them that small acts of kindness are all it takes sometimes to genuinely make a difference."

Learn more about the winners of the 2026 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement: https://ow.ly/9bt650ZaETQ

22/06/2026

Restocked 🫶
Plenty of holiday reads added!

11/06/2026

I had a lovely visitor today with a signed copy of his daughters book to share with our readers, a local Author from Hartlepool doing great things!

📚 Wrecked by Katie Mitchell 📚

A dark, gripping YA thriller about vulnerable teenagers, hidden truths and a government scheme that promises to help — but may come at a terrible cost.

With themes of trauma, control, friendship and survival, Wrecked is a fast-paced read for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction with mystery and edge.

Look out for it, I’ll hide it in the box over the coming days

11/06/2026

😂

🐦

Credit: Paul Karasik, The New Yorker

07/06/2026

Restocked 💫

01/06/2026

I’ve just found a lovely surprise in our little library today.

To the mysterious “Phantom Poet of Olde Worset Lane” thank you. It genuinely made me smile.

One of the things I love most about this little library is the unexpected kindness it brings.

Your poem has earned a place in The Book Hogg archive (my office wall) and a special place in our hearts📚❤️

Whether this is a one-off appearance or the beginning of a literary mystery, thank you for bringing a little extra magic to The Book Hogg, our readers will appreciate it 🩷📚🦔

Little Free Library

27/05/2026

🎨📚 CALLING ALL YOUNG BOOK LOVERS! 📚🎨

This school holiday, we would love your help to make The Book Hogg even more magical ✨

We’re inviting children (and grown-ups too if they’d like!) to paint book-themed stones and place them underneath our Little Free Library box for everyone to enjoy.

You could paint:
📖 Favourite book characters
🌟 Quotes about reading
🐛 Bookworms & magical creatures
📚 Tiny books or library designs
🎨 Anything inspired by stories and imagination!

Over the holidays, we hope to create a colourful little space filled with creativity from our community ❤️

If you take part, please feel free to share photos and tag us, we would absolutely love to see your creations!

26/05/2026

📕

Inspired by the bicentenary of local chemist John Walker and his accidental invention of the friction match 🧪✨, Preston Park Young Producers present Strike Up a Story 📚🔥
📍 Taking place at Preston Park Museum (museum pass required)
📅 Saturday 30 May, 1–4pm
This blind book-picking event celebrates the thrill of unexpected finds 🎁📖. Each mystery book is wrapped – no covers, no spoilers! 🤫
Here’s how it works:
📚 Donate a book you’ve loved
💬 Leave a clue to spark the next reader’s adventure
🎁 Take home a mystery book from the shelf

Curiosity. Starts Here.

23/05/2026

We are well stocked for your bank holiday weekend reads in the sun ☀️
Why not have a walk out and choose your next book today?