Free copies of Winnie-the-Pooh books are being distributed to 150 red phone box libraries across the United Kingdom as part of a celebration marking 100 years of both the classic character and the K2 red phone box.
The original publisher, Farshore, is donating copies of A.A. Milne's original stories, which were inspired by Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, along with a new authorized sequel titled "A Little Boy and His Bear."
Actress and audiobook narrator Sally Phillips launched the campaign by reading to schoolchildren at a phone box library in Chartham, Kent. Phillips described Winnie-the-Pooh as "the number one bear in our house" and noted the enduring appeal of the stories for both children and adults.
She highlighted that the books retain their humor and child-friendly drama even when read by adults. "He has always been the number one bear in our house," she told the BBC.
Organizers have invited the public to nominate their local red phone box libraries to receive the books. This effort aims to identify and support these community hubs. Libraries in Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands are among those that have already joined the initiative.