Why buy a new book when the suburbs and town streets are littered (not literally) with quirky, statement, hand-constructed, welcoming book boxes full of old, once-loved books?
The publishing industry has already taken a huge hit with our ever-growing need to devour what’s happening on our screens and smart TVs. And now there is a huge market for podcasts covering every feeling, thought, interest, intellectual pursuit and down-right ridiculous moment. Books, however, require patience, stillness, and an ability to shut out noise.
And this is exactly why our community needs books and more importantly access to books. The presence of the local library was never in competition with book shops and now the book boxes don’t seek or seem to stop people purchasing the latest best seller or topical tome. Book boxes enhance the importance of reading, sharing ideas and community connection. They are a positive (and charming) deflection of our focus on money and acquisition.
I’ve stumbled upon such beauties in book boxes – books I’ve never read, been meaning to read and have never heard of.
A little while ago, we installed a book box on our front fence which continues to circulate books (without my interference) and conversation amongst those walking along our street. My partner overheard two boys slow down on their bikes as they were passing by.
‘What’s that?’
They stopped and had a look inside.
Curiosity is the driver of reading. Book boxes are part of the road map (along with book shops and online stores).
So the answer is no.
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