Eileen's Library

Books by women, for women.
Because women have a voice.
Because books are just wonderful.

Eileen's Library is a community project creating permanent libraries in women's services and women-only spaces across the UK.

By donating books written by women, sourcing bookshelves and working with local volunteers, we create welcoming libraries where women can freely discover stories, knowledge and the voices of other women.

Every library is free to the organisation that hosts it. Every shelf becomes a place of learning, comfort and connection.

1. We source the books and shelves

Through donations from individuals, businesses and local communities, we source bookshelves and books written by women to create each new Eileen's Library.

2. We match them with a women's service

Our local volunteers work with women's services and women-only spaces to identify where each library can make the greatest difference, before carefully curating every collection.

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3. We create a lasting library

Together, we install a permanent Eileen's Library that continues to grow through local support, giving women free access to books by women for years to come.

Who is Eileen ?

An inspiration to many, a wonderful woman

Eileen Macdonald was a primary school teacher from Glasgow who loved books, teaching and life. And who was an inspiration to Mara Ricoy Olariaga, her daughter in law and many others.

Eileen used to say: "Books are just wonderful."
And her daughter-in-law says: "Women have voices."
Eileen's Library is a tribute project that brings those two beliefs together.

Although Eileen is no longer here, this project is a collaboration across generations—a shared belief that books can educate, comfort and inspire, and that women's stories deserve to be read, shared and celebrated.

Every Eileen's Library honours her love of reading while creating spaces where women's voices can continue to be heard.

Contact us

No matter how you'd like to support Eileen's Library, we're here to help.
From a single book to a new library, every conversation has the potential to start a new chapter while supporting women's voices.

Questions you might have...

Do I need lots of books to donate?
No. Whether it's one book or one hundred, every donation helps build an Eileen's Library.

What books do you accept?
We accept books written by women in good condition on any topic. Every donation is carefully curated before being placed in a library.

What organisations can host an Eileen's Library?
We work with women's services and women-only spaces, including refuges, women's centres, supported accommodation and other organisations supporting women.

Do I need to donate a bookshelf?
No. Books, bookshelves, volunteering and introductions to organisations all help the project grow.

Can I start an Eileen's Library in my area?
Yes. If you'd like to volunteer and become the local contact for an Eileen's Library, we'd love to hear from you.

Is there a cost to host an Eileen's Library?
No. Our aim is to provide libraries free of charge through donations and local volunteers.

Why books by women?
Eileen's Library celebrates women's voices by creating collections of books written by women, for women. Our aim is to increase access to women's stories, experiences and ideas in the spaces where women are supported.