A new “library” is taking shape in Milnsbridge.

It’s got all the classics of English literature, some great crime thrillers and a selection of hugely-popular children’s books.

But no-one will be borrowing any of these books, if local cafe owner Gus Mainetti and his colleagues have anything to do with.

For Gus has come up with the stunning idea to create an art installation across the whole frontage of what was the Milnsbridge Library.

It shut down in 1991 but now the former semi-derelict building is attracting a lot of attention, thanks to Gus’ colourful books.

Artist Gus Mainetti's book display on the front of the former Milnsbridge Library, Yates Lane, Milnbridge.

He and an army of willing helpers are turning offcuts of timber into models of book spines and placing them on shelves across the old library.

It’s a labour of love for Argentinian-born Gus, 44, who never saw the old library in existence, and is turning it into a genuine community project.

Children from local schools, including Crow Lane Primary, have designed many of the books, as have customers at Gus’s Cafe Central in the village. Local firms have donated paint for the books, while joinery firms turn up regularly with boxes full of timber offcuts to create the books.

Others have donated cash to fund the project.

Artist Gus Mainetti's book display on the front of the former Milnsbridge Library, Yates Lane, Milnbridge.

Gus said: “It’s incredible how it has taken off. So many people have offered to help.

“I’ve been in Milnsbridge running the cafe for 13 years, a quarter of my life, but I don’t remember the library. It opened in the 1940s and closed in 1991 just before I arrived.

“It had been used for storage but was looking very sad and I wanted to do something to brighten up that part of the village.

“I organised a meeting at the Village Hall and explained my plans and got a lot of support.

Artist Gus Mainetti's book display on the front of the former Milnsbridge Library, Yates Lane, Milnbridge

Kirklees Council owned the building and in April this year said we could go ahead. The graffiti over the front of the building was painted out and we set about putting up the shelves and the first of the books.

“We have put up about 180 so far but the plan is to have between 500 and 600 books across the frontage”.

Gus is also hoping to put together a history of the old library and is trying to track down photos and memories of the service.

He said: “Libraries should be loved and I hope the art inspires people to join a local library”.