15 Tube stations will once again feature bookswaps after TfL finds "a "suitable fire-proof storage solution".
The bookswaps — places where the public can freely leave or take books — were removed from all London Underground stations in March after advice from London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The move prompted many objections from those who find bookswaps not only a place to pick up a new book, but also a hub and symbol of community. If freebie newspapers are allowed in ticket halls and not considered a fire hazard, went the argument, why not less-throwaway literature?
TfL has now reduced the fire risk by sourcing special cabinets for the books. They will be introduced in May 2025, with the blessing of LFB.
TfL's commissioner Andy Lord said: "We know how important the community book swap libraries are to our customers, and I am pleased that, working together, we have now been able to reintroduce them to our surface stations."
The 15 stations that will once again enjoy bookswaps are: Acton Town, Cockfosters, Ealing Common, East Finchley, Hammersmith, High Barnet, Kew Gardens, Kilburn, Morden, Northfields, Oakwood, Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook and Totteridge & Whetstone.
The newly ensconced bookswaps will appear at some point in May. It's good to see these community features going back in, but this is only a partial reversal. At least 16 other Tube station bookswaps were removed in March and will remain absent for the time being.
We've placed the 15 returnees back onto our map of London's public bookswaps ⬆️, which includes hundreds of locations beyond Tube stations. If you know about one we've missed, please email [email protected] or leave a comment below.
