The right book, at the right time, can make all the difference
Welcome to The Little Nutmeg Library, a community book-sharing project by Nutmeg & Bentley, created to make helpful, informative and comforting books more accessible to everyone.
Take what you need, share what you can, and help good books keep doing good things.
A little book can make a big difference
Some books stay with us for a lifetime.
But when a book is only needed for a short time, buying it brand new isn't always affordable, practical or necessary. And too often, once it's served its purpose, a perfectly useful book ends up forgotten on a shelf or thrown away.
We believe there's a kinder way.
The Little Nutmeg Library gives books the chance to be shared, helping people access the information and support they need while allowing useful resources to find new readers rather than go to waste.
How it Works
Browse the collection
Explore our growing catalogue of pre-loved books and discover the resources available.
Request a book
Choose a book you'd like to borrow and submit a request. We'll share the collection arrangements and confirm availability with you. Northumberland Area Only
Read your book
Take a moment to fill in our optional prompt card and read the notes left by other parents, sharing experiences, offering encouragement and reminding one another that we're not alone in the things we navigate
Pass the kindness on
When you're finished, return your book so someone else can benefit from it, too.
Help the library grow
Have a useful book you'd be happy to pass on? Donations help us grow our collection and make more resources available to our community.
Books for the chapter you are in
A little library for the big questions, tricky moments and everything in between. Our carefully chosen collection will include books for both children and grown-ups, helping families navigate the parts of life that can sometimes feel difficult to explain. For children, there'll be stories that gently explore things like adoption, bereavement, visiting the dentist, big feelings, starting school, new siblings and other changes they may experience as they grow. For grown-ups, we'll have practical and reassuring books covering everything from fertility and pregnancy to birth, weaning, sleep, potty training, emotions, child development and the many questions that come with raising little people. A place to find a story, a little reassurance, or simply a reminder that you're not the only one going through it.
Found a book you'd love to borrow?
Whether you're looking for reassurance, guidance, a little understanding or simply the comfort of knowing you're not alone, we're here to help you find a book that might be right for you.
Choose the book you'd like to borrow and submit a request using the link below. We'll get back to you to confirm availability and arrange collection.
Ready to request a book?
All borrowing requests are subject to availability. The Little Nutmeg Library is a community book-sharing project, and our collection will continue to grow with the help of our readers and sponsors.
More than just a book...
At the heart of The Little Nutmeg Library is community.
We want to create a space where helpful resources can be shared without judgement, where people can pass on recommendations, leave encouraging notes for future readers, and help others discover books they might not otherwise have found.
There's no expectation to share your own story or explain why you need a particular book. You deserve access to useful information simply because you need it.
Donate a Book
Do you have books sitting on your shelves that have served their purpose in your own life?
Perhaps a pregnancy guide you no longer need, a breastfeeding book from your early parenting days, a resource that helped you understand your child's development, or a book that supported you through a particular chapter of life.
Rather than letting these books gather dust or go to waste, you could give them a new purpose by donating them to The Little Nutmeg Library.
Your pre-loved books could become somebody else's much-needed resource, helping another person access information without the expense of buying a book they may only need for a short time.
We're interested in books across a wide range of subjects, including pregnancy, birth, fertility and IVF, breastfeeding, weaning, parenting, child development, additional needs, fostering, adoption, death of a family pet, visiting the dentist and all other aspects of family life.
Every donation will be considered to ensure it is suitable, relevant and in a condition that allows it to be enjoyed by another reader.
Sponsorship
Every sponsored book helps us grow our collection of useful resources, making information more accessible to people who may not be able to afford to buy every book they need.
Whether you're supporting us as an individual, a family or a local business, there's a little place for you in our library.
Little Book Friend - £25
Perfect for individuals and families who believe everyone deserves access to helpful books and information.
Your sponsorship includes:
- Your name listed on our online supporters' page.
- A monthly social media thank-you.
- A digital Little Book Friend supporter badge to share.
Resource Library Supporter - £75
Ideal for those who want to make a bigger contribution to our growing collection.
Everything in Little Book Friend, plus:
- A dedicated social media appreciation post.
- Acknowledgement inside the book or collection your sponsorship helps fund.
- A personalised digital thank-you graphic to share with your community.
Little Nutmeg Champion - £150+
Created for generous individuals and businesses who want to play a special part in helping The Little Nutmeg Library grow.
Everything in Resource Library Supporter, plus:
- A dedicated sponsor spotlight introducing you or your business.
- A featured profile and link on our website's supporters' page.
- Recognition of your contribution towards a themed collection, where applicable.
- A personalised update showing the books your support has helped us bring into the library.
A note about sponsorship
Sponsorship contributions help fund the purchase of books and the development of the library.
Sponsors are supporting a community project, rather than making a charitable donation, and sponsorship doesn't guarantee that a particular book will be purchased unless I have agreed that with the sponsor.
Donate What You Can
Every little helps, and there's no minimum contribution.
When reserving a book, you'll have the option to contribute a little extra towards growing and maintaining the library. Whether it's £1, £2, £5 or another amount that feels comfortable for you, your kindness helps us make more books available to our community.
No pressure, no expectations — just an opportunity to give a little if you're able.