If you love books and the idea of swapping stories with your community, you’re in luck—Penguin Books is setting up four new “Book Stops” across South London this month.
Think of them as cute little cupboards where anyone can take a book, leave a book, and discover something new. They’re part of a nationwide project celebrating Penguin’s 90th anniversary. Out of 2,000 public suggestions, 90 spots across the UK were chosen—12 of them in London.
Where you’ll find them in South London:
- Peckham – on Wood’s Road, right by John Donne Primary School
- New Cross – Reaston Road, just off New Cross Road (SE14 5FW)
- Wandsworth – Engadine Street (SW18 5BH)
- Brixton – inside Miguel’s Boxing Gym (already open!)
Each stop will be cared for by a local steward to keep things running smoothly.
The Peckham stop has a special focus: it’ll spotlight authors connected to the area. The steward was inspired by Kenny Imafidon’s memoir That Peckham Boy, which tells the story of his tough childhood on the Clifton Estate. At just 17, Kenny was wrongfully accused of murder and spent six months in prison before being cleared. Today, he’s a successful entrepreneur and mentor, using his story to inspire change.
The very first Little Book Stop is already up and running at Miguel’s Boxing Gym in Brixton—so if you’re nearby, you can check it out now.
It’s a simple idea with a big heart: share a book, discover a book, and connect with your community. Photo by Heffloaf, Wikimedia commons.