tips | where to release | where to buy | sample notes
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Veruca's BookCrossing Tips and Techniques

BookCrossing.com is a web site that encourages people to read, register, and then release their favorite books "into the wild", then track where they go and see who's enjoyed them. Before you release a book, you put a URL in it so when someone finds it, they log on and post a journal entry so you know the book made it safely into someone's hands. Then hopefully they'll read it, post another journal entry about whether they enjoyed it, and then pass it along, so you'll get to see what the next person thinks of it. (Of course, it's all free!)

On this page, I've gathered some of the tips and techniques that I use when releasing books into the wild. If you'd like to share what's been successful for you, please do!

Here are a couple more sites that might be useful to you. TexasWren maintains an exhaustive BookCrossing FAQ. nyisutter maintains a site listing several resources, including a list of official crossing zones, BookCrossing-related sites, and book-related geocaches.

Tips for a Successful Release

• Label the book clearly with a message such as "Free book!" or "Take me!" Post-it notes work well, as do 3x5 index cards with the top part sticking out of the top of the book.
• Include a hand-written note in addition to the official sticker. Some people will be more open to something that doesn't look like it's too official. See the example below.
• Make sure you leave the book where someone will happen upon it and not be scared off by it. For example, if you leave the book on a table at a seat-yourself restaurant, people might assume that someone's already sitting there!
• If you have time, stick around to watch after you release the book. This works best in a place like a coffee shop. That way, even if the person doesn't make a journal entry, you at least know the book was caught!

Where to Release

These types of locations have been successful for several BookCrossers, but I make no guarantees!

• Laundromats
• Waiting rooms
• Locally owned coffee shops
• Bank (ATM) machines
• Restrooms (in a clean part!)

Here are some unique ideas, but not necessarily tried and true:

• Book/poetry signing or reading [courtesy of stevevernon]
• Newspaper machines
• Open house events

Where to Buy Cheap Books

The following are places where you can pick up cheap books so you can tag and release them. Personally, I can't part with many of my favorite books, so I just buy extra copies and release them.

• Thrift stores
• Used bookstores
• Library sales
• Garage sales
• eBay

Sample Notes to Leave with Books

FREE! TAKE ME!

This is one of my favorite books. If you want, take it and read it. Keep it, or just release it into the wild again.

If you do take it, please visit the web site on the sticker on the first page so I know the book made it safely into someone's hands!

If you don't have Internet access, no worry. Just read it and pass it along. Enjoy!

This book is not lost. It is registered at a FREE website. Please visit www.bookcrossing/000-000000 to let me know what you think about the book. (Your email address will not be sold or used!) After you read it, please pass it on to the next curious reader.

courtesy of yazi

Pick me up--I'm FREE!

"Not all those who wander are lost." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

A book lover released me from her collection so others like you could enjoy me. See the inside cover for more information...

courtesy of ScarletQuartet

This book is not lost!! Please don't take me to the lost and found. It was left for someone to find and enjoy. Please see inside....

courtesy of TexasWren

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