Don't have anything to read? An old phone booth in London has been converted into a book swap site
July 27, 2025
In the heart of the London borough of Lewisham is an unusual attraction that is attracting both literature lovers and those looking for unusual venues. An old, iconic red telephone box has been transformed into London's smallest library, offering residents and tourists the opportunity to exchange books for free. This unique community initiative not only gives new life to a historic element of the British urban landscape, but also promotes reading and builds bonds between members of the local community.
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The history and creation of the remarkable micro library
Lewisham Way Book Exchange, also known as Lewisham Micro Library, is a fascinating example of a creative approach to urban space and recycling. This unique library was created in 2013 on the initiative of Sebastian Handley, who purchased an unused red telephone box from British Telecom for the token sum of £1. He then invested around £500 in renovating it, transforming it into what is now known as one of the smallest libraries in all of London.
The history of red telephone boxes in the UK dates back to 1924, when the K2 model designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was introduced. Over the decades, they have become an iconic part of the British landscape. However, with the development of mobile telephony, many of these booths lost their original use. British Telecom began a program that allowed local communities to adopt unused booths for a nominal amount, giving them a second life.
Lewisham as a neighborhood has a rich history. In the 1930s, the Lewisham Town Hall extension, designed by the firm of Bradshaw Gass and Hope, was opened, with the official opening by the Duke of York (later King George VI). During World War II, many buildings in the area served various functions - for example, the Broadway Theatre was converted into a public air raid shelter, a telephone exchange and a distribution center for food ration books.
In this historical context, the transformation of the phone booth into a library takes on added significance. It symbolizes continuity and adaptation - elements that have always characterized Lewisham and its residents. The micro library is located on Loampit Hill, near the intersection with Tyrwhitt Road, in a location easily accessible to the local community.
Interestingly, the Lewisham Micro Library was spotted by BBC News, which called it 'the smallest library in London.' The site has also been marked on Google Maps as a 'Phone Booth Book Exchange,' attracting not only local residents, but also tourists looking for unusual attractions in the British capital.
The idea of transforming old phone booths into book exchange venues is not an isolated one - there is a network of similar initiatives across London, though each has its own unique character and history. It is worth noting that these community projects are not intended to replace traditional libraries, but rather to complement their offerings, offering an alternative way to access books and promote reading.
Lewisham Micro Library, however, stands out for its history and the involvement of the local community. Since its inception, neighborhood residents have taken an active role in maintaining the library, taking care of its condition and regularly replenishing the collection. Local residents like Helen and Michele regularly donate unwanted books, helping to circulate them and making literature more accessible to all who are interested.
How the book exchange works and what makes it unique
The Lewisham Way Book Exchange operates on principles that are as simple as they are brilliant in their simplicity. The system is based on mutual trust and social responsibility - anyone can come, take a book that interests them, and leave another book in return. There is no paperwork, no registration, no library cards or return deadlines. There are also no fines for keeping books, making this initiative extremely user-friendly.
What makes this micro library truly unique? First of all, its size and location. The interior of a red telephone booth has been transformed into a space filled with bookshelves. Despite its small size, the library offers a surprisingly diverse selection of literature - from bestselling novels to literary classics to specialized and children's books. The collection is constantly changing, which means that each visit can bring new literary discoveries.
The social aspect of this initiative is worth noting. Unlike traditional libraries, the Lewisham Micro Library has no staff or formal funding. Its operation is based solely on the involvement of the local community. It is the residents who take care of the order, replenish the collection and promote the idea of sharing books. This grassroots initiative shows how small actions can have a significant impact on community life.
The library has also become a kind of landmark and meeting place. Residents often stop by to talk about books, exchange recommendations or simply spend a while browsing through available titles. In this way, the old phone booth, which was once used for long-distance communication, now paradoxically brings people together in the real world.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this micro library is its presence in the digital world. Despite its traditional nature and small size, the Lewisham Micro Library has its own Facebook page and is listed on popular travel apps. It is also tagged on Google Maps, attracting not only local residents, but also tourists looking for unusual London attractions.
It is worth noting that the Lewisham Way Book Exchange is part of a broader trend of adapting urban spaces for new purposes. Similar initiatives can be found all over London, where old phone booths have been transformed into mini art galleries, tourist information centers and even small cafes. These creative adaptations show how historic elements of the urban landscape can be preserved while giving them new, practical uses.
It is also interesting to note that despite the success of this initiative, British Telecom has no further plans to convert phone booths into libraries in major cities. This makes the Lewisham Micro Library an even more special place - a true rarity on the London map.
From a tourist's perspective, visiting this micro library is not only an opportunity to take interesting photos, but also a chance to experience an authentic aspect of Londoners' lives. It's a place that shows how local communities can creatively solve problems and create worthwhile initiatives without the need for a lot of money or official support.
The impact on the community and similar initiatives in London
Lewisham Way Book Exchange's impact on the local community is hard to overstate. This inconspicuous converted phone booth has become more than just a place to exchange books - it is a symbol of social solidarity, creativity and involvement of residents in the life of the neighborhood. The micro library effectively promotes reading, making books accessible to all, regardless of material status or the ability to use traditional libraries.
One of the most important aspects of this initiative is its impact on building human ties. At a time when more and more interactions are moving to the virtual world, Lewisham Micro Library is creating a space for real-life encounters and conversations. Residents meet at the booth, discuss books, exchange recommendations and make new friends. In this way, literature becomes an excuse to build authentic social relationships.
The educational dimension of this initiative is also worth noting. With easy access to books, Lewisham residents, including children and young people, are more likely to develop the habit of reading. In a neighborhood where not everyone can afford to buy new books on a regular basis, the opportunity to borrow literature free of charge is of great importance for promoting reading and fighting cultural exclusion.
The Lewisham Way Book Exchange also inspires other communities to undertake similar activities. A network of similar initiatives can be found throughout London, where old phone booths or other disused urban spaces have been adapted for book exchanges. Each of these micro libraries has its own unique character, reflecting the nature of the local community.
Another interesting aspect is how this initiative fits into the broader trend of sustainability and recycling. Instead of demolishing an old phone booth, the Lewisham community has given it new life and function. This is an excellent example of a creative approach to urban space and shows how heritage preservation can be combined with modern social needs.
From a tourist perspective, the Lewisham Micro Library provides a fascinating alternative to traditional London attractions. While most tourists focus on visiting famous museums, palaces and parks, this unassuming phone booth offers a glimpse into the authentic lives of Londoners and their creative approach to urban space. For literature lovers, it is also an opportunity to discover local authors and titles that may not be available in their home countries.
The broader cultural context of the initiative is also worth mentioning. Red telephone booths are one of Britain's most recognizable symbols, along with black cabs, red double-decker buses and royal guards. Transforming these iconic objects into micro libraries shows how tradition can evolve and adapt to modern needs while retaining its distinctive appearance and cultural significance.
For those planning to visit the Lewisham Micro Library, it is worth knowing that it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no restrictions on who can use its resources - it is open to all, regardless of age, nationality or location. The only unwritten rule is mutual respect and care for the common good.
In conclusion, Lewisham Way Book Exchange is much more than just a place to exchange books. It is a symbol of social innovation, an example of a creative approach to urban space and proof that even the smallest initiatives can have a significant impact on community life. This unassuming red phone booth, filled with books and stories, is one of those hidden treasures of London worth discovering to better understand the soul of this fascinating city.
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