Community Book Box has landed in Central Park!
A treasure trove of stories awaits you at our new Community Book Box. Located near the Central Park café, the idea is to make your park visits even more special. Whether you’re after a lunchtime escape, a story time session with the kids, or just a new reason to stretch your legs, the Book Box is here for you!
Here’s how it works:
The Box itself is a beautiful collaboration, hand crafted by our Ranger Nicola and brought to life with artwork by local artist Astrid Walls. To celebrate this trial project, you can pick up a free bookmark at the book box or Central Park Café. This project is supported by Chelmsford City Parks, Central Park Café and Essex Libraries.
The book box was officially unveiled on Thursday 30 October 2025 by Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, Councillor Nora Walsh, and Chelmsford Libraries Service Team Manager Cathy Whitaker.
Your community Book Box is ready to welcome you – come along, connect and discover your next great read! So next time you’re in Central Park, grab a coffee, pick a book, and enjoy a moment of calm.
The Mens Shed
For the next chapter of our Community Book Box project, Mens Shed are busy constructing a few more Book Boxes, which we hope to trial in other parks near you soon…What a crafty bunch!
The Mens Shed is a brilliant initiative, a welcoming space where men can connect, learn new skills or get hands on with woodworking and other crafts. From book, butterfly, and bird boxes to festive displays, their creative projects are always fuelled by good company, tea and biscuits!
Curious to learn more, get involved or support their work? You can find out more about Chelmsford Mens Shed here.
A special heartfelt thanks to Chelmsford shedders Steve Wilson, Steve Wilmott, Alan Barnard (pictured), who generously gave us a tour of their shed and have been key in crafting the wonderful book boxes. Watch out later in the year for more crafty creations from Mens Sheds when we introduce our Butterfly houses!
