Has anyone here ever participated in BookCrossing.com?

[Sydnie]

It's a really neat idea.

bookcrossing
n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

(added to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in August 2004)

I was working yesterday and came across a book with a post it note stuck to it that said "Free Book! Take me home". I opened the cover to glance at the inside cover and there was a sticker there telling about the bookcrossing site, an identification number so the book could be tracked on it's journey, and reviews could also be written by those that "caught" the book and read it.

I caught "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I plan to read it before I release it "back to the wild".

For those who are avid readers and have piles of books, previously read of course, and want to find a way to share them and maybe even see who reads that copy after you release it, you might consider this program. I have no experience with them at all, other than what I read this morning after researching the book I caught, however someone out there in DUland might and could speak to the program directly.

Anyway, I think it's worth a minute to check out the site if you are interested in participating.

www.bookcrossing.com

Release a book today! ;)

[wryter2000]

I've done some

I ought to check back in with them. Only one of my books was ever picked up. I ought to drop a bunch of liberal books for people to pick up.

[Fierce]

1. We've got some of the stickers

but we haven't set a book free into the wild yet.

I love the idea. It's really cool.

[brazos121200]

2. It seems to be like a lending library, but without the shelves.

I found a private lending library where you could take a book or leave a book in a community center near my neighborhood, so I took several books home to read, and then the other day when I went back to take a bunch of my books over there to replenish the stock, all of the books and the shelves themselves were gone. I found out the town's public library across the way removed it, I guess they thought it was a competition to them or something.

[bobbolink]

11. Interesting.....my library has a whole selection of these "released" books.

It really is a fun idea.

I can't imagine a library feeling that competitive. :shrug:

[Book Lover]

3. Seconded - I love bookcrossing

I've released about a dozen books so far, and though no one has yet entered any info on the website (so you can see where in the world your book travels), I love the idea that they are being read and not gathering dust in my library. I highly recommend them!

[Vanje]

4. THATS what i'm going to do with the cardboard box of books in my closet

Thanks!

[AbbyR]

5. Funny you should mention that

Today I found one of the books I sent out on Bookcrossing on the library sale table - they go for a dime and the money goes to the library. I know people aren't supposed to sell them, but it was nice to see the book doing some good.

[wicket]

6. Neat!

I'd never heard about this - what a great idea! Thanks for the link.

[WHAT]

7. I "caught" Poisonwood Bible...

in the wild...and it really was the wild; a tiny town with post office, gas station, store and combination restaurant and bar.

I think this is a wonderful way to share books.

[Sydnie]

8. Kick for the night time readers among us n't

[tblue37]

9. Yes. It's a neat thing to do. (eom)

[qnr]

10. yes n/t

[Raine]

12. I never heard of this but

what a TERRIFIC idea! :thumbsup: I'm going to look at the website and find out more about it. :-)

[JNelson6563]

13. Great idea! K&R

:kick:

[LWolf]

14. Yes.

Not since I moved 18 months ago; I left many books behind at that point and haven't wanted to weed. I didn't "release" my whole library, lol. I really liked the concept, but have yet to find that any of the books I released were commented on or passed on.

[HuffleClaw]

15. i too printed up the labels

been too lazy to set the books free thus far tho. this thread is a good reminder.

[tavalon]

16. Wow, what an incredible, neat idea

a little difficult here in the rainy Northwest but a raincoat could be devised.........

I see a number of the books around here being released.

[Pugee]

17. I've been a member for almost 3 years.

And read dozens of new authors and books that I never would have picked up on my own. I have also made some wonderful friends around the world! The forums are great and they have lots of other sites that go with it. Texaswren.com has faqs and answers almost any question you could have about bookcrossing.

I have also released hundreds of books. One, I wild released in Missouri and it found its way to Nova Scotia by chance. Most, you never hear from. I also have released books to other bookcrossers in rings/rays and they have been all over the world. It is fun to see where they go and what people think of them.

Lots of new authors are active and most release a few of their books to bookcrossers so they will travel the world. Check it out if you read a lot.