Kilburn is the latest station on the underground to offer commuters a pop-up library.

Brent & Kilburn Times: A new pop up library has been launched in Kilburn StationA new pop up library has been launched in Kilburn Station (Image: Archant)

The new book exchange corner was launched in Kilburn Station on the Jubilee Line on Thursday thanks to collaboration between Cricklewood Library campaigners, Mapesbury Residents Association (MapRA), Transport for London (TfL) and Brent Council.

The pop-up library follows the huge success of a similar project launched by Cricklewood Library in Willesden Green station which has been running for more than a year.

Sally Long, of Cricklewood Library, said: “We’re calling it a bookshare now. This is the third one inspired by Willesden Green which has seen amazing support.

“Residents in Barnet started one in Cricklewood Station and then MapRA said they’d like one for Kilburn. It seems to get easier as we go along thanks to support from TfL.”

She added: “Looking where libraries are in Brent and neighbouring boroughs, there’s no local library round here. We’ve put up a shelf and it’s been incredibly well received. People are even tidying it up, as though they have a deep rooted desire to be a librarian for a bit. It’s a great initiative, done through people’s will.”

Gerry Weston, secretary of MapRA, providers of the bookshelf, said: “It’s going well. It’s good if you’re going on a journey and you need something to read. The only worry is running out of books, but people return them and also bring in spares.”

Lia Colacicco, who represents Mapesbury, said: “I was pushing at an open door. Carl the area manager said yes without hesitation, and has been incredibly supportive. Even TfL had no objections. Everyone thinks it’s a brilliant idea.”

Carl Painter, TfL’s area manager between West Hampstead and Dollis Hill, said: “The pop up library in Willesden Green has been a success for more than a year and I was keen for another. We’re very pleased with it. With library’s closing it’s a good way to exchange books and make use of the station, a win-win for everyone.”