Forum Topic

London Book Swap - at Acton Central maybe?

There's a localish campaign (West Ealing based) to put books and bookshelves into stations so that people can pick up a book for their commute and either replace it when read or add another one.I'm wondering about trying to set this up at Acton Central station.What do people think?http://londonbookswap.wordpress.com/blog/

Sara Nathan ● 5255d38 Comments

Great idea !!If you need any books, I have many to start you off...

Ellie Rose ● 5255d

I don't commute, but think it's a great idea too. Like Ellie, I am sure I could find some books to start you off.BTW am enjoying 'Small Island' - just wish I had more time to read......

Amanda Knights ● 5255d

Lovely idea!

Clare Gittins ● 5255d

Great idea - I am sure I can dig out some books too.

Rachel Cheek ● 5255d

Three conversations and counting with TfL.The Comms man seemed wholly bemused that anyone or any group would want to do this because it's a good thing rather than to make money/ profit in some way.But he's gone away to try to help I hopeMight hear something next week.

Sara Nathan ● 5248d

There used to be a guy at West Hampstead station who did this sort of thing. You could either swap a book and/or give him a donation (he was a bit down on his luck). He would know all the books he had and if you asked for a specific genre he would give you recommendations. It was great and he obviously made himself a bit of money at the same time providing a service for the commuters. Because he bought the books every morning and then took them back with him they didn't get damaged and weren't left lying around.  If TFL don't like the idea of having books left around the station, maybe this would be a good way of a student or retiree to make a bit of extra cash?  From what I saw at West Hampstead the guy didn't do too badly out of it.

Sarah Harris ● 5248d

I suspect the only way LOCOL or TfL would accept it is not for profit and a commitment from locals to ensure it doesn't get scruffy - which is why I've done it under the aegis of the CCA.But lots of bibliophiles must walk past every day and could straighten a couple of shelves.I reckon to use the station, one way or another, at least four times a week so that's a start.

Sara Nathan ● 5248d

I too have oodles of books I could contribute.

Jill Williams ● 5248d

Yes I think given the level of literacy around, stocking it shouldn't be a problem...at least to start with. I think it then depends how fast books go. I wonder what a healthy rotation would be for the station.

Sara Nathan ● 5248d

There is a vacant shop at the Station which is run by Network Rail.Perhaps they could be persuaded to donate one day a week to house a book swop club?A chat with the Station Manager could pave the way.

Dee Cook ● 5244d

Thanks for the idea Doris but all I really want is a bookshelf - there's room and it wouldnt take much managementJust need the powers that be to agree

Sara Nathan ● 5244d

I understand that they have just reopened .... perhaps they could give you shelf space?

Dee Cook ● 5243d

Maybe.But I have high hopes that the station operator/manager is going to say yes to a bookcase in the ticket hall - which I would much prefer.

Sara Nathan ● 5241d

Still pursuing this - apparently I should get an answer next week.I just hope its a positive one.

Sara Nathan ● 5209d

Still nothing and I really dislike being strung along like this.So I have left a message with the local manager saying I will be installing the bookcase this week unless I get forbidden.Now of course, months after the original thought, I don't have a bookcase.Does anyone? Not too big but stable please. Then I will ask around for books

Sara Nathan ● 5169d

There has been one of these at Homebase (near the checkouts) which has been doing this for some months. It's run by a charity, so you can put cash in the box as well.

Geoffrey Berg ● 5167d

Also at Homebase .........

Dee Cook ● 5167d

I don;t get your post Dee?

Jen Morty ● 5167d

they have a book swop shelf in Homebase

Dee Cook ● 5166d

Yes, which is what Geoffrey said...I just assumed there was an echo in this thread!  ;-)

Sarah Harris ● 5166d

Repeat please.

Nicola Howard ● 5166d

I hope to have it installed later today with some books.If you have any which you think travellers might enjoy please let me know or drop them off either chez moi or at the bookshelf.The station staff seem quite excited at the prospect which is great - even offering to take it in their office overnight - though that's not necessary. Who steals bookcases? And taking the books is the whole point.Remember the rioters who steered so clear of Waterstones?

Sara Nathan ● 5165d

Have bookcase and aboput 20 assorted books - not enough!Have started book-crossing them and will take it all down this evening.Hope people like and use itCould do with some more books - preferably gripping and not too heavy - literally and metaphorically.

Sara Nathan ● 5165d

Hi Sarah, I saw it tonight - well done it's a great idea.Can I suggest it's made clear that users should look to bring the books back once read - It currently implies that they are free to simply help yourself to and keep. I'm assuming the objective is to create more of a library style process??Carl

Carl Tamboli ● 5165d

Each book (so far) has a bookplate in it with a bookcrossing number.And some of them (OK only the second print run) say please pass the book on when you have finished with it.Only realised I hadn't said it well into the labelling and didn't fancy going through it all again.The next ones will be clearer!As long as there is a supply of donations, I don't think it matters if these specific books dont come back. But I have no real idea as to how many books we will need how often to keep the shelves reasonably stocked.Donations certainly welcome

Sara Nathan ● 5165d

Ah ok so you don't want us to simply plonk our donations on the bookcase but to pass to you first to mark up?

Jen Morty ● 5164d

Either is good - I'll mark up what I see but plonking also wholly acceptable.Just back from seeing the torch pass under Hammersmith Bridge on Gloriana to find a glorious box of novels from Jane Austen to Maeve Binchy.Thank you - whoever you are!

Sara Nathan ● 5164d

Sara,  you are being very industrious!  Saw the bookcase today,  I wonder if a sign explaining the purpose might assist because if I did not know about it from this website I would not assume I could take a book.....but then maybe I am dim!!

Jen Morty ● 5164d

There are little signs on it sayiing please take a book...And 17 of the 21 i placed there yesterday afternoon had gone by lunchtime today - so someone has got the gist. Unless there's a book thief about - but why would anyone person want them all.I have a few more now and picking up over the weekend.I think we're going for a "soft launch" - may get some publicity when I see how it goes.(I stood on Hammersmith Bridge in the rain this morning with a journalist from BBC London who might be interested in doing something!)At the moment could do with more books and a few other people interested enough to tidy and stock it when I am not around

Sara Nathan ● 5164d

Well that is great,  clearly I am just dim!!  Although did not go close as I was in a rush sso did not see the little signs.I hope people "remember"  to bring the books back once read!!

Jen Morty ● 5164d

I've changed the bookplates so that they ask people to bring them back.I wonder if anyone will....

Sara Nathan ● 5164d

Went to have a look today and still lots of books available. Such a good idea.

Chris Hurley ● 5163d

That's cos Ellie put in 40 this morning and I did another 20 (yours!) this afternoon.The lovely station staff say people really like the idea and are intrigued.We may need labelling sessions for books though

Sara Nathan ● 5163d

Back from hols to find that the loyal team have been putting out about 200 books a week.That's a very large number.Are they being read? If not, what?Are any ever returned?We have invested in labels to encourage returns - but are well on our way through the first 2,000.Does that make the bookswap a HUGE success? Or what?

Sara Nathan ● 5126d

We've put a few in there and they went in an afternoon.  Got a few more to add this week - it seems to be very popular!

Lisa Shackleton ● 5126d

I wonder if people will "remember" to return the books?

Jen Morty ● 5124d

Was interested to see 2 women choosing books from the shelves this evening whilst topping up my son's travel card ready for college.A book club colleague has a quantity of paperbacks she is happy to donate to these shelves instead of to Oxfam.Sara, should they come to you or go straight onto the bookcase?Seems like a success already

Sally Rivlin ● 5124d

And no evidence anyone has put a book back yet - Bit maybe either 1 I have missed it 2 it's a bit soon 3 people Have passed them on elsewhere or 4 they haven't an wont but it doesn't matter cos other kind souls keep On stocking.Am happy for books to go on shelves - but if you think they should be stickered first, they need to come to me - I'm around Saturday am and most of sunday

Sara Nathan ● 5124d