Avid reader Kirstie Bottiglieri became concerned when libraries and charity shops selling book closed because of lockdown.

So the mum-of-two set up a mini book exchange outside her Gillingham home.

The 32-year-old, who works for a special needs secondary school, registered with the US-based charity Little Free Library.

It encourages children with reading difficulties or who cannot afford books.

With help from friends and an appeal on social media, she has created a waterproof book shelf and fixed it to a wall of her house in York Avenue.

Pallets, roof felt and extra strength glass were donated and her artist friend Edina Szalai painted it for her.

The “library” is open 24/7 with the message – leave a book, take a book.

Kirstie said: “I feel reading is important. I have read like mad since I was a child and I believe it shapes your personality.

“When lockdown came, I thought what are people going to do if they can’t go into a charity shop and buy a book for £1 or go to the library?

“The response has been brilliant. People just waking past have dropped in and want to contribute to a community focused idea.”

Kirstie, who is mum to Luca, five, and Nico, two, goes out twice a day to check if she needs to restock.

At any one time she has a collection of about 20, fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.

"I feel reading is important. I have read like mad since I was a child and I believe it shapes your personality"

She added: “Reading really is even more important today than ever.

“It is a way of transporting out of a world which is not so enjoyable and healthier than looking at a screen for hours.”

Married to Paolo, 32, she said: “I have two young children and a full-time job but always make sure to find time to read to them.”

Read more: All the latest news from Medway