In a tiny basement room just south of Borough Market stands Book 28 Library, a cosy retreat for London’s queer bookworms. The space is officially occupied by The Outside Project, an LGBTQ+ shelter and community centre, so alongside books and zines, you can expect to find free leaflets, refreshments and toiletries.
What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library. This makes for an unconventional, but rather pleasing, classification system. Categories include ‘Sunlight’ (for tales with happy endings), ‘Healing’ (for books on health, illness and recovery) and ‘Spirit’ (for stories of queer resistance and activism).
To join the library and start borrowing books, you’ll just need to provide a name and an email address. Loan periods are flexible, and there are no fines for overdue items. This would, after all, go against the core values of the institution. Those passing through London might prefer just to read in the lounge area for a few hours or drop by in the evening for book club meetings, author Q&As and queer theory discussions.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...
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Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.
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The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise & din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside.
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Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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