Bookcrossing: The club where you can exchange books around the world

In Milan, there are two major spaces. But bookcrossing isn't a phenomenon unique to northern cities: there are bookstores equipped for book exchanges in Calabria and Basilicata as well. Essentially, bookcrossing is a way to exchange books , thus avoiding waste and sharing them, encouraging reading and socializing.

Book and crossing, literally "book and crossing," meaning " crossing a book ." A way to exchange and distribute them for free based on a list of books identified by a unique code. It promotes reading and creates community. Let's find out everything there is to know about this international phenomenon.

What is bookcrossing?

Widespread throughout the world, bookcrossing allows people to freely exchange books . Its origins date back to 2001 , when it first gained popularity in the US, where an online book club called BookCrossing.com was founded.

The goal was to transform the world into an open-air library , leaving books in the most diverse public places, from park benches to public transportation. The idea was a huge success, and bookcrossing became an international phenomenon. Today, there are over 1.922.715 BookCrosses and 13.597.969 books traveling in 132 countries.

How it works

Thanks to a unique identification code (BCID – BookCrossing ID), the books put into circulation can be tracked throughout their journey by simply searching the official website. But how do you actually add this code to a book? Simply go to www.bookcrossing.com , active in 132 countries, and register the book you wish to share, obtaining a unique BookCrossing ID code. A sort of passport that allows you to track the book's whereabouts by simply attaching a tag.

At this point, we move on to the sharing stage , which can be done in various ways. Through so-called "controlled release," meaning passing the book to a known person or sending it directly to someone interested. Through "free release," placing the book in any public place so it can be found. Or, by leaving it in an "Official BookCrossing Zone," a place where books come and go.

How is it organized?

Bookcrossers can create OCZs, or Official Exchange Zones . These are places that offer spaces dedicated to book exchange. Those wishing to participate must register on the official website with a screen name to have a bookshelf where they can list and record their unsold books. Participation is also free.

Book drop-off points are varied: from pubs to restaurants , but also charming little houses, the Little Free Libraries , popping up here and there in neighborhoods, where everyone can take and leave their favorite books. Or open-air libraries that are participating in the initiative and increasingly delighting in unexpected places, including beaches, transformed into cultural venues.

Anyone who finds a freed book can take it, read it, and, if they wish, leave it somewhere else so other readers can find it. If you wish, you can follow the book's "life" thanks to the unique code: every time the book is taken and registered by a new reader, you receive a notification. This adds an element of curiosity to the completely free nature of the network, as you can see where the book is traveling and how many people have read it.

Online bookcrossing

We were saying that bookcrossing gained popularity online thanks to the launch of the official website www.bookcrossing.com. But it's an initiative that's moving from online to offline, connecting the two worlds.

The online platform is primarily dedicated to registering books and tracking them, which can be followed by a simple search on the site. It also includes the creation of forums, mailing lists for bookcrossers, and themed websites that allow participants to stay up-to-date and organize in-person meetings. Online, you can also find other bookcrossers and discover their literary tastes, directly sending them books of interest.

Bookcrossing in Italy

• United States 29%
• Germany 16%
• United Kingdom 13%
• Netherlands 11%
• Finland 10%
• Canada 8%
• Australian 5%
• France 4%
• Portugal 3%
• Spain 1%

Unfortunately, Italy isn't in the top ten. Nonetheless, the phenomenon is becoming increasingly well-known, and we hope it will continue to grow. As for the official Italian exchange zones, here are some listed on the official website:

• In Milan, one of Italy's largest bookcrossing sites is "Isola dei Libri" in the Isola neighborhood. Tigella's restaurant at Via Anfiteatro 6 also offers a space dedicated to free exchanges. Other options include Piscina Solari at Via Montevideo 20 and Aromando Bistrot at Via Pietro Moscati 13. For a complete map, please visit the official website.
• In Venice, take a seat at OBCZ.
• In Rome, you can find exchange points at the Mondi Possibili craft and gift shop on Via Giuseppe Candeo 18 and at AphroditeCaffé on Via G. Donizetti 28.
• In Naples at the Pausa Caffè Store Vomero in Via Maurizio Piscicelli 48.
• In Palermo at Tomas Parrucchieria on Via Gaetano Daita, 68.

For a complete map of all Italian OCZs, please visit the official website.

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