I stumbled across this great website the other day which some of you may already have heard of; Book Crossing. It has this great, Amélie type feel to it and I think it’s a great idea.
The site calls itself the World’s Library, a social networking site dedicated to the celebration of literature. In essence the site encourages you to pass on your books to others; friends, family and strangers. What makes the project really interesting is that each book is given its own, unique tracking number so you can follow it on its journey. According to BookCrossing they have books scattered through 132 countries at the moment, making it a truly global effort.
For example, leave one of your favourite books in a cafe, with a note encouraging someone to pick it up. Each book will have its number and instructions within it. Sit back and wait to see who discovers it.
The only aspect I personally disagree with in this effort is that the founders have proclaimed that old books on bookshelves don’t give you any pleasure, so you should donate them.However, I, for one, get an immense amount of pleasure looking at my books and being able to reread them whenever I choose. So, for my part, I am happier picking up a second hand book for the purpose of reading it and passing it on. That way a nice independent bookshop gets some money, I read a new book and then someone else gets it for free. But that’s just me, if you have a few books sitting around, unwanted presents maybe, then go for it!
But does this really work outside of the movies? Well Book Crossing estimates that it has 10, 979, 232 books currently circulating which is a pretty impressive number.
So is it worth a go? Well, the idea of this tracking system is to allow fellow readers to connect by following and reviewing their books. They also have face to face meetings across the country, arranged by its members, for you to go and meet fellow readers in person. So if you are an avid reader it’s a pretty fun community to join in itself, the fact that you may have the opportunity to see your book travel the world is a huge bonus.
Also, if you happen to be a self-published author, what a fun way to get your book out there and in front of new readers! You never know who may pick it up!
Crownless Publications 