Transport for London (TfL) has removed book exchange libraries from Tube stations following fire safety concerns raised by the London Fire Brigade (LFB). According to The Standard, TfL instructed stations to close these informal book-sharing spaces after the LFB advised that stored books posed a fire risk.
Signs posted at affected stations informed commuters that the exchanges were being shut down immediately due to fire safety regulations. The decision sparked criticism on social media, with some expressing disappointment at the sudden removal of the longstanding initiative. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stepped in, calling for the decision to be reversed.
Speaking to The Standard, Khan said: “The first I discovered there were plans to take away these very small libraries was today. “I’ve seen the difference they make, by speaking to commuters around Highbury & Islington, Oval and other parts of the network.”
He added that he had asked TfL and the LFB to reconsider, stating: “I’m hoping there’ll be a very swift announcement that this decision has been u-turned.” The LFB confirmed it had advised TfL to remove book exchanges from subsurface stations, citing fire safety concerns.
A spokesperson for LFB said: “Ensuring the safety of those using the London transport network is our priority. “We are working with Transport for London with regards to their responsibility to remove all book libraries from subsurface stations. “This is due to combustible material posing a fire safety risk if it is stored on these premises.”
Non-subsurface stations have been asked to remove book swaps temporarily while appropriate fire safety plans are put in place. The removal of book exchanges comes as other fire safety concerns have been raised in recent weeks, particularly regarding e-bikes on the London Underground network. A recent video showed an e-bike catching fire at Rayners Lane station. The train drivers’ union Aslef has since stated it is considering balloting its members for strike action over safety risks posed by allowing e-bikes on Tube services.
