Dec 04 - Book Crossing Day – Small Business Saturday
The Gibraltar Cultural Services will be holding a Book-Crossing Day from 10am and 5pm this coming Saturday 6th December outside the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned as part of the Small Business Saturday event.
History of Book-Crossing
Book-Crossing is defined as "the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise”. The concept began to encourage the aim to "make the whole world a library." The idea was originally conceived in 2001 and has expanded and grown throughout the world.
The initiative has developed so that books are "set free" into public places or hotspots where others will “catch” them. Books may be left at “Official Book-Crossing Zones" which can be located in coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and other public places. The purpose of these locations is to get members in the area to leave books to share with the public.
In 2007 Singapore became the first official Book-Crossing country in the world. In an initiative launched together with the National Library of Singapore. In total, 2,000 locations within the country were designated as 'hotspots' or Official Book-Crossing Zones.
There is a Book-Crossing anniversary convention held every year where Book-Crossers go to enjoy organised literary-related events and to release books together. The location of the convention changes each year.
Many unofficial conventions, or "unconventions," take place at other locations and times throughout the year. This makes it easier for Book-Crossers who cannot travel internationally to the convention to gather and share their love of books.
Book-Crossing introduces readers to authors and genres that they may not have read before. It also encourages more people to take up or reclaim reading as a hobby.
Local Event
At the local event, members of the public will be able to bring and to take books that others have “released”. GCS staff will be available at the venue for any questions that people may have or to discuss the idea in general.
Children are also encouraged to exchange books, but they must be accompanied by an adult. For further information please contact Kimberley Andres on 20067236 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
