A restored historic bench with literary significance was officially unveiled by acclaimed author, Joanne Harris at La Vallette this weekend, marking a special moment within the wider programme of enhancements to the area.

The “Literary Bench,” reputed to have been used by Victor Hugo during his time in Guernsey and later referenced in The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, has been carefully restored by local stonemasons, Point Away. Positioned along the newly created La Vallette Trail, it offers a place for rest, reflection, reading, and creative inspiration.

While the bench forms part of a broader initiative to enhance interest and engagement at La Vallette - including the introduction of a new 1km interactive trail - this event focuses on celebrating the island’s literary heritage and creating a dedicated space for reading within the landscape. Vive La Vallette thanks The Northern Trust Guernsey Charitable Trust for its valued support in delivering the La Vallette trail and the restoration and educational enhancements across the area.

To mark the occasion, the La Vallette Book Nook will be installed in partnership with the Guille-Allès Library and the Guernsey Literary Festival as part of the National Year of Reading. People are invited to browse a selection of books while taking in the surrounding views, with the option to relax and read on the bench or take a book away to enjoy later. Built on a simple “take a book, share a book” principle, the La Vallette Book Nook encourages readers to discover, exchange, and enjoy books while fostering connection and conversation.Readers are welcome to borrow a book and return it once finished, so others can enjoy it too.

Local artist Tim Gaudion has also decorated the Book Nook with an octopus mural, inspired by Victor Hugo’s

connection to the sea and the coastal setting of the Literary Bench. Readers are welcome to borrow a book and

return it once finished, so others can enjoy it too.

Helen Bonner Morgan, Operations Director, Vive La Vallette said: “We invite people to come and discover La Vallette in a new way. The restored Literary Bench, together with the Book Nook, creates a wonderful space for people to relax and be inspired by the stunning surroundings. As part of the wider enhancements at La Vallette, we hope it encourages both islanders and visitors to spend more time outdoors and connect with the area’s unique literary, historical and natural heritage.”

Adam Bayfield, Head of Marketing & Customer Services from the Guille-Allès Library said: “We’re delighted to support the Literary Bench and bring books into this beautiful outdoor setting. The National Year of Reading is all about making reading part of everyday life, and this initiative creates a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy books in a calm, natural environment. As well as books about the sea, the Book Nook includes numerous collections of short stories, essays, and poems, so people can easily dip in for a read before they dip in for a swim.”

Joanne Harris, - who was here for the Festival to talk about her latest novel Vianne - cut the ribbon and formally opened the bench.

Claire Allen, Festival Director said: “The Literary Bench is a fitting tribute to Guernsey’s rich literary heritage, and the Guernsey Literary Festival is proud to support an initiative that brings books, people, and nature together in such a simple yet meaningful way. The La Vallette Book Nook captures the spirit of sharing stories, sparking conversation, and making reading accessible to all. We hope it inspires readers of all ages to discover something new and pass that experience on to others.”

The Literary Bench opening highlights both the cultural heritage of La Vallette and the ongoing work to enhance the area as a space for health, wellbeing, creativity and community connection.