A charity bookshop has drawn attention after a photograph of a floor-to-ceiling spiral tower made entirely of books was shared on social media. The display, which stood in the middle of the shop floor, was surrounded by shelves packed with fiction and non-fiction titles.
The image was posted to Reddit by a customer, who described the shop as "incredible" and praised its layout. "They don't have prices just donations just thought I'd share this incredible display from real books I can't imagine how long it took," they wrote. The customer added: "It's an incredible shop its set out so beautifully and you can just sit and chill, today a group of teenagers were playing chess. I'm considering volunteering but I'm disabled so not sure if I'd be any use."
Safety concerns raised
While many admired the tower, others questioned its stability, particularly in a public space. One Reddit user joked: "I think they need a volunteer health and safety officer." Another pondered: "Looks cool and everything but what if you want one of the books?"
A third commenter warned: "That can't be freestanding? Be a real hazard." Another said: "This is mental though in a public space. The windows make this very weak and that weight could probably kill a child. I really like it, but it’s surprising to see in 2026." A fifth user asked: "Echoing other people here. It's probably made to look freestanding but it does need checking out. So dangerous if not. Who do you report these things to?"
Reassurances and clarification
Some commenters sought to ease concerns, with one suggesting: "It'll be glued. Theres also a good chance whoever built it has been to wake the tiger and seen their mirrored book tower (which is also glued)."
In response to suggestions that the image was generated by AI, another Reddit user clarified: "Absolutely not AI! My father-in-law helped with building it I believe so I can ask him how it’s secure!" They added: "He says he’s going to post a reply so hopefully that’ll clear it up! My explanation was going to be awful."
