Words Words Words
Now that the current meaning of the four-letter word beginning with 'C' has come to mean 'cuts' to public services, and local councils are closing libraries, it's a refreshing change to learn of a temporary pop-up library in central London.
Selfridges, that well known department store in Oxford Street, has converted 3,500 square feet of its basement Ultralounge into a library, or rather a reading area. Customers won't be able to borrow books and take them off the premises, as was originally envisaged; this would not have been practical for the seven week period of the library's lifespan. The event is part of the store's Words Words Words season and is running as a celebration of the printed word. The 15,000 books have all been donated by four publishers: Thames and Hudson, Faber, Taschen and Penguin. Readers will be able to curl up on sofas to enjoy the books they select from the shelves. What a perfect antidote to hectic West End shopping.
Selfridges Pop-Up Library: Picture Courtesy of the Telegraph
In addition, lovers of the written word will also have an opportunity to attend classes in poetry, grammar and story-telling. If your pleasure is in being read to, you will be able to listen to books at audio posts, and if you prefer to read on screen, there will also be iPads for browsing your favourite written words.
When I was a child I used to love wandering around the book department in Selfridges. Now I can pop in there and lose myself in books without having to pay a penny.
The pop-up library runs until 1 March. Check out the website for the timetable of events.
