Ever left a book on the bus. or picked one up there? Then you’re an unofficial bookcrosser. Defined as “the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise,” the phenomenon combines people’s love of reading with their love of interaction, creating a formula for success.
BookCrossing is the brainchild of Ron Hornbaker, who conceived the idea in 2001. Since then more than 600,000 people worldwide have joined.
BookCrossing allows users to track the books they’re released “into the wild” as they journey around the world. Users register books for release and are issued a BCID number (BookCrossing ID), which they write on the inside cover along with any notes they may have and the web address of BookCrossing. They then release the book in a public place. Users get credit for releases “caught” if someone picks up the book and creates a journal entry about it on BookCrossing.com. You can also release books by simply giving them to friends. Users can also send books to other members. And the site features games, relays and random giveaways.
Perhaps best of all, BookCrossing is free to join, so all that are interested are welcome to participate. Jump in and enjoy!
