Read between the lines

Local rail commuters can now while away the time between delays with a good book.

Coseley passengers will be able to conquer the classics on their commute with their very own ‘book swap’ scheme.

The initiative allows customers to pick up a book for free and then swap it for another when they have finished it. Users of the scheme will be encouraged to donate their own favourite reads to keep the stock of books refreshed and replenished.

The book swap box is in the booking hall at Coseley station, which is open every morning and most afternoons /early evenings. Denise Platts, who manages the station, said: “London Midland is always looking for ways to make its passengers’ journeys more enjoyable and is committed to working with the local communities our stations serve. Books and train travel are, after all, natural companions…”

Book swapping is very popular with London underground commuters, with an increasing number of tube stations setting up their own book swap boxes.