I was in the beautiful village of Sarlat La Canéda recently and stumbled across this glass box in the middle of the town. As you can see, it’s a book exchange. The two words, for those of you who don’t speak French, are “give” and “receive”.
Isn’t that a wonderful idea? Anyone is free to leave any book they’d like to give away, and/or to pick up a book which has been left by someone else.
This the second time I’ve come across this idea in France. A few months ago I saw this in Bordeaux, right next to a tram stop….
Same idea, but using a wooden case rather than a metal one, and without any words on the glass indicating what it’s for.
What a lovely idea. I tend to hang on to books forever, but maybe if I could let go of any of them, I should pop some into a display like this somewhere….but thing is, most of my books are in English and I live in France now!
A friend of mine built one in the form of a doll house (replicating their own house) and placed it in front of their own house in Philadelphia. I would think, for the sake of the books, that it must be a seasonal thing.
You know what I wondered Bruce? I wondered if people put books there that they’d like others to read, or just books they want rid off? I’d like to think it’s the former – sharing pleasure and delight!