The Open Book is a recently opened free library, reading room and meeting space at 57 London Road, Stroud (GL5 2AD), mainly consisting of a very large collection of books from a retired academic’s private book collection, built up over 50 years of book-buying.
The library will consist of around 5,000–6,000 books once complete, arranged into around 40 different categories. All tastes are catered for, though we particularly feature books on psychology, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and counselling; education and learning, including early years; health, nutrition and well-being; philosophy; spirituality and religion; Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy; and globalism. We open 9.30 till 4.30, Mondays to Saturdays inclusive.
We also display the John Marjoram Book Collection – being the private book collection of one of Stroud’s greatest, kindly donated to the library for public display by his widow. We also house the recently deceased Richard Austin’s magnificent private book collection.
We are not a lending library; rather, The Open Book is a quiet, peaceful, non-tech space for perusing wonderful books, and reading in peace – and of course a place for rich conversations about books! It is also a place for research; do ask if there is a particular subject into which you wish to research by using our collection.
The library is run on completely non-commercial, ‘Gift Economy’ lines. As a ‘private members club’, we hold regular meetings and, sometimes, workshops on a range of interesting topics – typically on Thursday evenings, Sundays, and sometimes on other evenings. There is limited space: we have a space limit of 45 people for events, so it’s imperative that you tell us you are intending to come to an event – by emailing us at londonroad57@yahoo.com
Upcoming Events 2026
Thursday 8th 7pm Dr Richard House Why Books Matter
Sunday 11th 4pm Dr Jo Whitaker Boost Your Life Force Energy
Thursday 15th 7pm Nick Haynes The Elephant in the Room
Sunday 18th 4pm Dr Zac Cox Healing The World Starts With You
Thursday 22nd 7pm Howard Koolman Astrology
Saturday 24th 7pm Irina Kuzminski Poetry and Wisdom
Friday 29th 7pm Phred Shelbourne + Tahira Amir Khan EcoSocieties and the Sonic Blueprint
As noted, there is limited space: we have a space limit of 45 people for events, so it’s imperative that you tell us you are intending to come to an event – by emailing us at londonroad57@yahoo.com
People who turn up to events without pre-booking will very likely not be able to attend, as events are likely to be fully pre-booked. Thanks for your understanding.