The Community Bookcase

I wrote about this bookcase over on Haus Maus but since not all of you read my other blog I'm posting about it here too because my wish is that if I talk about it enough, and then maybe you link to it and talk about it also, that the idea may just catch on. And then perhaps you'll have your very own bookcase too. Allow me to explain.

See this bookcase standing on the sidewalk? No, it's not waiting for the movers to come pick it up. And no, it's not part of some eviction. Oh and it definitely is not an animated bookcase that came to life at night in the local library and decided to go all independent and flee the scene. This is indeed a normal, everyday bookcase with glass doors that you can open and contents inside that are 100% free to the public. No library cards, overdue notices or payment required. At this bookcase you simply visit it, find a book (or two) that you want, remove it and put it in your little tote or bicycle basket, and then go on your merry little way. The bookcase only asks that in return, you bring some of your own books back to replenish the supply. And this is not the only bookcase that I've located here in Hannover. There is another one near the city center. This one happens to be a few blocks from my house on Jakobistr. Of course, all of the books are in German but it encourages me even more to keep up with my studies! I want to sneak in a few of my English books next time I'm out, I'm sure some would be interested in them. :)

Don't you love this idea of a community bookcase? I'm not sure how this would work everywhere, I mean in some cities I imagine people who take books and sell them for profit on eBay, but here it does not seem to be a problem and the bookcases always have plenty to look through on them. What do you think of this idea? Would you want something like this in your city?

In Germany, you may find these bookcases at locations listed on this page.

(image: thorsten becker for decor8)