Selfridges launches library in flagship London store

Selfridges has launched a library in its flagship London store, curated by four major publishers: Penguin, Thames & Hudson, Faber and Taschen. The idea behind it is to celebrate the “inspirational power of words and literature,” at a time when standards in reading, grammar and spelling are falling and also encourage people to switch off their phones/laptops and re-discover the power of reading! I think its such a fantastic idea and I can’t wait to pop down for a browse.

I used to love visiting the library as a child, my Mum used to take me every Saturday morning after swimming to pick up a selection of new books to devour that week.

The 15,000 book library is set within the Ultralounge on the Lower Ground floor of Selfridges and includes an edit of the most inspirational books from the four publishers’ past and present archives.

There are listening posts for audio books and iPads and a pick of ‘Desert Island Books’ from a selection of celebrities including Mark Ronson, Paloma Faith, Rankin and Thandie Newton. It is also set to host a series of lectures, alongside grammar and latin lessons.

Selfridges said the library installation (which will run until March 1) is making a stand against mass library closures around the UK and the risk it represents to literacy. Selfridges is a hub of creativity, from fashion to art and now literature. Hopefully it will pave the way for a new era of libraries as well. Fashion and books, the perfect mix I think…

FashionBite xx