Books in Transit

Books in Transit is modeled on similar programs from New York to New Zealand. Current cities participating in this global book-sharing movement include New York, Washington, Kolkata, Toronto, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Montreal, Boston, Buenos Aires, and more.

Books in Transit was spearheaded by Barbara Nolan of the University of Pennsylvania Press. Her years as a daily SEPTA commuter had her asking “how can we share great writing together as riders, and highlight how lucky we are as Philadelphians to have a strong mass transit system?” Barbara got wind of Books Underground, London’s book-sharing program on their Tube, and knew it was the answer for Philly. She determined start-up costs and used her contacts in the publishing industry to acquire books. Then, she partnered with SEPTA’s George Spellman, Director of Customer Service Development and Research; together they put together plans to get Books in Transit!

Books in Transit would not be possible without the help of Penguin Random House, who have thus far supplied all of the titles for the launch of this program. Penguin Random House is the international home to nearly 250 editorially and creatively independent publishing imprints.