A historic telephone kiosk on Pier Road, Greenhithe, has been restored as a free book exchange. A police officer who used it as a call point in 1966 was at the opening.
A historic red telephone kiosk on Pier Road, Greenhithe, has been given a new lease of life as a free community book exchange, officially opened by Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Among those at the opening was John Burgess, who served as a local police officer in the village in 1966, when the kiosk was one of his police call points. He attended the ceremony with his daughter, who has also helped support the project.
How it works
The restored kiosk is free to use. Residents are invited to drop off books they have finished and take books left by others, creating a simple neighbourhood sharing scheme. The town council said: “Today, it begins a new chapter, promoting literacy, learning, and community engagement through the sharing of books.” The council also said it hopes the Book Exchange will encourage a love of reading among residents, particularly local young people, while providing a welcoming space for the community to connect and share knowledge.
Thanks to volunteers and donors
The council thanked the volunteers, donors and council staff who made the project possible, saying the restoration could not have been achieved without their support.
For more information, contact Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council on 01322 385513 or visit the council website at swanscombeandgreenhithetowncouncil.gov.uk.
Sources
- Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council, statement to Kent Local News, 28 October 2026