The next in our Libraries We Love series is something a little different. You may have heard of libraries being run out of a pub, shop or telephone box, but how about a piece of luggage?

The Travelling Suitcase Library is a book swap and reading promotion service. Based currently in Leeds and run primarily by Jess Haigh, who works in libraries, the TSL recently featured as part of the Voices for the Library stall at the Hay Festival. Now with it’s own manifesto (available on request) other TSL’s are springing up, with interest in how to start one from as far away as Australia.

The main aim of the TSL is to break down taboos related to reading for pleasure by running a book swap open to anyone, including all genres of books and other printed sources, in social settings.

The TSL has visited beer fests, literary festivals, feminist rock nights, events such as ‘Bettakultcha’ in Leeds and poetry slams. Jess runs a book swap and facilitates a book group in her local pub Arcadia once a month, as well as writing for various book blogs.

With more events requesting that the TSL attends, and more and more people wanting to set up their own book swaps, this is a service that is growing and introducing more people to more books. For more information, please see www.travellingsuitcaselibrary.blogspot.com or email Jess at bookelfleeds@gmail.com