A Bookish Afternoon On The South Bank
June 3rd, 2007
Whether you're in the London Book Project or simply love books, try the Southbank Book Market.
"The council almost closed it in the Eighties, when the architect Richard Rogers proposed a project with shops on the South Bank promenade," said an old man before disappearing.
Karina, a Russian girl responsible for one of the stands, helped the London Book Project with 300 books for 10p each. When I was wandering around the market asking for cheap books, she took my mobile number and told me to wait for a call. She called me some hours later with an offer, and the day after we had to pick up eight boxes of books.
Richard, the stand's owner, went into the book business when he lost his job more than two decades ago. Now in his fifties, he admits that it should have been a temporary job - but is still happy with his work despite increasing operational costs.
How many books are sold per week?
"Enough. But both the fee and the rent are increasing now," he said.
The Book Market is just in front the British Film Theatre, so after having bought a good book, you can catch a movie too. If books aren't your thing, the market also sells unframed prints from the early twentieth century and antique maps - and, of course, you can get Karina's personal history of St Petersburg for free.
By car
Ample parking under the Hayward Gallery, Royal National Theatre and Jubilee Gardens.
By Tube/rail
Waterloo (South Bank exit), Embankment and Charing Cross (over the Hungerford Bridge)
By bus
Routes 1, 4*, 26, 68, 76, 77, 139*, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 211, 243*, 341, 381, 507*, 521*, RV1
