Sadiq Khan Intervenes to Reinstate London Underground Book Exchanges

The beloved community book swaps were removed over fire safety concerns but may return following the mayor’s efforts to find a solution.

The London Fire Brigade directed the removal of book exchanges from Tube stations, citing fire safety regulations related to combustible materials.
The shelves, which had been a feature of the Underground for nearly two decades, were praised for fostering community and promoting literacy among commuters.
Critics, including local councillors and commuters, questioned the evidence supporting claims that small book shelves posed a significant fire risk.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has stepped in to work with Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade to explore solutions that could allow the book exchanges to return.
Transport for London has apologized for the disruption and is reviewing processes to potentially reintroduce the initiative while redistributing books to other community locations in the meantime.