TFL has removed the book swap at Abbey Wood station. Just two weeks ago, there was a lovely large bookshelf that functioned as a book exchange. It was quite popular—I picked up many great reads from it and saw my own returns go to new homes.
Today, I returned several books only to find the shelf gone. When I asked the staff about it, they told me that TFL deemed it a “fire hazard.” Apparently, wood in public spaces is a big concern—ironically, just like the wooden beams in the station’s roof!
This was really disheartening, especially on such a sunny Sunday.
P.S. I’ve expressed my frustration to TFL as well.
It’s really disappointing to hear about the removal of the book swap at Abbey Wood! Community initiatives like that can make such a positive impact, not just by promoting reading but also by fostering a sense of belonging among people. It’s unfortunate that TFL cited fire safety as the reason, especially when it seemed to be a well-loved space.
Hopefully, they reconsider their policies and find a way to bring back a similar initiative without compromising safety. In the meantime, it might be worth exploring other local options for book swaps or community libraries to help fill that gap. Thanks for sharing your experience, and hopefully, your feedback to TFL will lead to some positive changes!