Daily Measure

Pop-Up Book Shop Gets Carnaby Street Swapping

Pop-Up Book Shop Gets Carnaby Street Swapping

02 May, 2012
by: TomArmstrong

Got, got, got, got, NEED!



A new pop-up shop in the West End is giving Londoners the chance to swap their old books in a scheme to get London reading.

The newly launched Carnaby Book Exchange, in Kingly Court, lets users take in their unwanted books and trade them, hassle free, for something they do want. There's no joining fee, no membership cards, and no kindles, just shelves and shelves of actual real-life books to get stuck in to. 

The selection on offer ranges from art and photography to John Le Carre spy novels, chick-lit, travel guides, and just to prove that there really is something for everyone, even the Book of Mormon can be found nestled in amongst the titles. Users are asked to include a note with any returned title telling the new reader their thoughts, encouraging people to swap memories as well as books.

This idea is great for a number of reasons. Firstly, it promotes sustainability and gets people re-using rather than binning. Secondly, it encourages an all-inclusive community spirit based on interaction with strangers. Thirdly, it's all free - users can enjoy the space, complete with comfy armchairs and antique furniture, no strings attached. More of this please, London. 

The Carnaby Book Exchange is located at:
Ground floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1.

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