Shared Book Boxes is a participatory activity that invites the community to create, decorate, and maintain small open libraries in public or community spaces. These boxes allow anyone to take, donate, or exchange books, promoting access to reading, collective care, and shared culture. They can be themed, have volunteer caretakers, and become meeting points in parks, schools, hospitals, or neighborhood streets.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Encourage free access to books and reading in the community.
- Promote shared care of cultural resources.
- Strengthen the sense of belonging through art and participation.
- Prepare the materials:
- Weather-resistant wooden boxes or recycled containers.
- A variety of books to start the collection.
- Materials to decorate the boxes (paints, brushes, stencils, etc.).
- Signs with instructions for use, rules, and caretaker contact info.
- Items to secure or protect the boxes if placed outdoors.
- Set up the space:
- Identify safe and strategic locations to place the boxes.
- Coordinate with community groups or institutions to take on the role of caretakers.
- To implement the activity virtually:
- A digital version can be done through collaborative platforms where participants co-design the library, suggest book titles, share reviews, exchange e-books, or create a lending system within their community. They can also create a thematic digital library or open-access archive for different audiences, or network with other reading communities.
Step-by-step instructions
- Project introduction
- Share with the group the idea of creating shared book boxes as an act of generosity and open culture.
- Choosing locations and caretakers
- Identify possible places for the boxes and invite people or institutions to be “caretakers.”
- Design and decoration of the boxes
- Divide participants into groups, each responsible for decorating and personalizing a box.
- They may choose literary, cultural, or community themes.
- Initial book donation
- Each participant can bring books in good condition to build the initial collection.
- Installation and promotion
- Place the boxes in the selected spots, along with clear explanatory signs.
- Organize a launch day with read-alouds or cultural activities.
- Follow-up and sustainability
- Caretakers are in charge of checking, organizing, and regularly restocking the collection.
- A community book log or message wall can also be created.
Practical recommendations
- Choose weather-resistant materials or protect boxes with varnish or a small roof.
- Coordinate with the municipality or host institution before installing boxes.
- Include a clear sign with instructions on how to use, donate, or leave books.
- Set up a rotation or follow-up system for caretakers.
- Encourage respect, care, and book rotation.
- Document the experience with photos, videos, and testimonies to share and replicate it.
