A medieval village in Wales is home to a unique open-air bookshop. Open 24 hours a day, the shop is run on the principles of honesty and trust. Books can be donated, borrowed or bought by putting a small donation in a strongbox set in the wall of Hay Castle for this purpose.
The Honesty Bookshop of Hay-on-Wye, which has been functioning for over 50 years, is a true paradise for readers. On its wooden shelves, built by hand (as was the protective roof over them), one can find literary treasures, including first editions and out of print texts, all items for sale at one pound apiece. The price discourages stealing, even though there is no staff to supervise the book collection, which remains on display summer and winter, day and night. Book lovers can leave more than a pound if they wish, since the revenue is destined for a good cause: the restoration of Hay Castle and its incredible park, in which visitors can linger to read.