A new chapter begins at Fish Island Village

Residents in Fish Island Village in Hackney Wick have welcomed a brand-new Penguin Little Book Stop to their neighbourhood. 

Published: 10/11/2025

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Filled with books for the community, the new sharing box by the Hertford Union Canal Lock, was made possible thanks to the dedication of one resident, Cinzia.   

Her heartfelt application stood out among over 2,000 submissions from across the UK. Fish Island Village is now one of just 90 places chosen to host a Little Book Stop as part of Penguin Books’ 90th birthday celebrations, which is run in partnership with Little Free Library, the US-based not-for-profit organisation.  

The Peabody Community Foundation has also backed the project by providing a microgrant to help keep the mini library stocked with interesting books covering diverse topics. 

Cinzia spoke about how much books have meant to her throughout her life and how neighbours have been informally sharing stories for years. Her idea was simple but powerful: make it easier for everyone to swap books, discover new reads and connect through stories. 

The result is a beautifully designed book-sharing box filled with a mix of children’s and adult books, ranging from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox to The Horse to Girl, Woman, Other. 

It runs on a take a book, leave a book basis and is already becoming a much-loved local landmark for Peabody residents and the wider community. The box will help provide access to more books for more people and encourage reading. 

Cinzia, who will be the steward for the book stop, helping to maintain it and making sure it’s well stocked, said: "This book stop is a great way to support residents' spontaneous book sharing and make sure everyone in the Fish Island community has free access to books. I believe this little spot can have a big impact on neighbourhood life, bringing people together, sparking conversations and encouraging collaboration and more cultural activities in the neighbourhood." 

A launch event earlier this autumn was a joyful celebration, attended by more than 30 families, including lots of children. Cinzia opened the event by sharing the story behind the Book Stop, followed by a short speech by Peabody’s Neighbourhood Manager, Selorm, who has been on hand to support the project throughout. 

Selorm said: “It’s always great to collaborate with residents on projects that create a strong sense of community and benefit everyone in the area.” 

Babyccinos were served by another resident with support from local restaurant Inis, who provided tables and chairs. Storytime was led by another neighbour, who read The Book With No Pictures, which proved to be a hit with the children gathered by the canal. 

The Book Stop has already sparked ideas for future book-related events among residents, including a possible book club and a children’s reading group.