Charity shop sets up 'incredible display' but shoppers baffled by 'huge hazard'

Charity shop sets up 'incredible display' but shoppers baffled by 'huge hazard' A photograph taken in a charity bookshop has left many shoppers questioning safety inside the second-hand store due to an inventive display in the middle of the shop floor A charity bookshop has caused a stir over an "incredible display" that has left shoppers baffled by its potential "hazard". A snap of the second-hand store was shared to social media, which revealed a spiral tower from floor to ceiling made up of entirely of books. "So, we are lucky enough to have a charity shop just for books," they explained in a Reddit post. "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." The tower, which appeared in the middle of the shop floor, was surrounded by ordinary shelves crammed full of further fiction and non-fiction titles. The customer went on to praise: "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." Impressive as it is, as well as clearly being time-consuming to erect, others were left questioning the book tower's structure - particularly in an era when the importance of the health and safety of the public cannot be overstated. "I think they need a volunteer health and safety officer," quipped one Reddit user in response. A second person pondered: "Looks cool and everything but what if you want one of the books?" A third exclaimed: "That can't be freestanding? Be a real hazard." While a fourth exclaimed: "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." And a fifth said: "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?" Attempting to calm fears, meanwhile, another Reddit user advised: "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 the image was AI, meanwhile, a 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! "He says he’s going to post a reply so hopefully that’ll clear it up! My explanation was going to be awful." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.