Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Read While Commuting

Shanghai has come up with a way to get people to read. They've created subway-only libraries for commuters to check out and read. The idea is that a commuter will pick up a book at one station, read as s/he rides, then leave the book at another station.

"Special bookshelves are installed at the metro stations, containing rows books for the taking. There's no registration necessary, and no fee; readers are simply encouraged to make a small charitable donation when taking a book."

Apparently, the program is a hit. During rush hour, there tend to be lines of people at the bookshelves.
Most of the books are returned. Some are not. But that's okay. As a writer, I would like it that someone so liked my book, they decided to keep it. The people setting up the bookstations aren't worried about non-returns either. "Even if some books are not returned, we believe the overall benefit is worthwhile," a staffer told China Daily.

You can read the full article here.  

6 comments:

  1. Hi Helen .. sounds like an interesting idea - and if you're enjoying your read - I know I'd want to finish it ...

    It'll get people reading .. and perhaps help get authors known, so other books are purchased ...

    Certainly an interesting concept .. cheers Hilary

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  2. Amazing idea! I wish they would carry this concept out in the States. Perhaps it would instill more reading habits. (Hugs)indigo

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  3. great idea. Now I need mass transit in Texas from Bedford to Justin. Over an hour drive yesterday in the car. I would love to sit on a train and read.

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  4. Great idea. I always like it when I stay at a condo or motel/hotel where there are shelves packed with books and an invitation to take one or leave one.

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  5. That's a good idea, in particular if you can keep the book till you have finished it >:)

    Cold As Heaven

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  6. Wonderful idea. I'm experimenting with travelling books. You leave the book in a public place with the request that the finder read the book and then pass it on.
    Ann

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