- TitleCommuters rail at loss of book swap [at Archway Station]
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- NotesIslington Tribune filed at A-Z periodicals (Islington Local History Centre)
Complaints about religious books and porn have led to the removal of a popular book swap scheme at Archway station.
The bookshelf, which appeared at the ticket area at the end of last year, allowed people to take a book for free as long as they donated one. But it was quietly removed earlier this month, leaving commuters bemused.
They said station staff had told them it was due to a daily “drop off” of religious books and some pornography. One commuter said: “The day before it disappeared the book exchange sign had another sign placed next to it that said ‘no religious books’ so this suggests someone was concerned about this.”
Chairman of Creative Islington Graham Hitchen donated more than 50 books. “I’m disappointed,” he said. “It was a fantastic scheme driven and supported by local people who donated in the spirit of openness and generosity. I’d like to know what’s been done with the books.
“It was a great thing, encouraging a love of literature at a time when everyone is stuck on their smartphones on the tube.”
A TfLspokesman said: “Unfortunately, we have had to remove the bookshelf after we received complaints about some of the books left there repeatedly.”
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