After a fourth move within The Spires shopping centre, regulars have found their way back to the volunteer-led free bookshop run by the Global Education Trust reports Leïla Davaud

A room full of shelves full of books — The free bookshop at The Spires – (Credit – Leïla Davaud)

Once the door shuts behind Jenny, the noise of The Spires fades into a library-style silence. It is a weekday morning and the carer is “exactly where she wants to be”; browsing Barnet’s free bookshop in search of her next read.

“There is rarely a day when I’m not working and don’t stop by,” Jenny explains quietly. “I have a big pile of books waiting for me at home but I like to come in and browse. You never know what will catch your eye. I love the surprise!” Like any other day, she is allowed to take three books with her.

The shelves are stocked entirely by donations from the local community. “It’s not a proper shop – I don’t keep track of what is available”, explains Mark, a volunteer for the day. “There is a quick turnover, and I think that’s the strength of this place.”

Jenny pauses in front of a historical tome. “I usually like classics, but there aren’t many today. I’ll try my luck with fiction or history and stay away from horror – it’s not for me.”

As she leaves, three more visitors step inside. Among them is Linda, who smiles at the growing stacks of donations. “I come three times a week on average,” she says. “I take books home, then bring back others I’ve read and don’t want to keep. It’s the place to be for avid readers” – and for households suffering from the cost-of-living crisis.

Mark says children’s books are among the most sought-after. “They’re expensive, and children grow so fast,” he explains. “Crime and fiction are the other two most popular genres.” Between 12th and 31st January, 2,203 books were donated, while 2,045 were taken home. In an hour, twelve had already found their new home.

“People come here as if they’re going to find a treasure”, Mark says. “They leave happy and thank us repeatedly, even though all we do is keep an eye on the books. It just shows how important it is to have access to knowledge and to stories.” Mark has been volunteering for 15 months and has experienced four moves. “I’m retired, and it allows me to meet people who love reading as much as I do,” he says. “It’s great!”

The free bookshop exists thanks to landlords allowing the Global Education Trust to use empty retail units free of charge. It moves as a new business rents the space. “It is good for the community, I believe everyone should have easy access to books,” Mark adds. And to the journeys they offer…

Barnet’s free bookshop is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Donations are always welcome.

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