The best sites to find book boxes

Last updated on 24 June 2023

I love the concept of book boxes. Readings are treasures that have no ‘price’. The idea of free sharing behind this movement, which has developed a lot in recent years, is a valuable thing. Have you read a book, loved it and want to share it with others? Slide it into a book box and take another one.

It is not as simple and fast as download free ebooks on a site, but the fun is quite different.

Let's take the opportunity to make a point and an update on this movement carried by volunteers and lovers of reading.

What is a bookbox?

The site Box to read gives a good definition of this concept born in the United States. ‘A book box is a small street library where everyone can deposit and borrow books for free, giving priority to access to culture. It is also a solidarity project that promotes social ties, encourages an economy of sharing and giving and develops an eco-citizen approach. By depositing or borrowing a book in a bookbox, you give it a second life, while respecting the environment.”

The city of Nanterre, like many other major cities, has set up boxes in its streets. She explains that ‘the aim of these book boxes is to give a second life to the books you have read, to make them available, to borrow, to share a book that you like, thus promoting access to reading, and thus to knowledge and culture!’ (nanterre.fr)

Where can I find book boxes?

A book box in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or in a village all over the country? How do I find a book box around me? Here are some sites that have embarked on the immense task of identifying each box to read throughout France.

Reading box. A collaborative directory of book boxes in France

Reading box is probably the best known of the directories devoted to this quest for treasure that constitutes a good book. These are: a collaborative directory which has set itself the objective of identify all book boxes in France where books can be freely picked up and deposited.

To do this, ‘Box to read’ calls on all lovers of reading and sharing to help it list all the outer book boxes. Whether it is a bookbox in a telephone booth, a fake mailbox or a simple wooden case. A great idea and impeccable realization.

The operation is simple to understand. The site offers a Map of France in which one can navigate with the end of the mouse. The boxes appear under the form of geolocated points. You can zoom in as you like for dense areas. With one click you get the exact situation. To include a read box that you have created or found, you will need to fill out a form at your disposal and attach a photo. The book box will then appear on the map. The discoverer will pass to posterity by being associated with the box.

Delivrez. A global directory of shared books

Delivrez sees even bigger with a global directory of book boxes located on maps offered by Google. The initiative launched by lovers of sharing invites you to participate by pointing out where to find books.

On the Delivrez website, click on "maps" at the top and start the search. You can specify the country and the city or walk with your mouse on the world map.

Note that Delivrez extends the concept to other ‘essential’ goods for humans. You will also find donation boxes for objects, food and shared gardens.

Google Maps. To find the main book boxes around you

This good old Google Maps had the great idea to include the read boxes in his mapping. Not all of them are there, but you will find a lot of boxes to read near any point on the map. Simply activate the geolocation and search for ‘Bookbox’ or ‘Reading box’. By default, Google will also notify you of other types of …les libraries readboxes.

Making a book box yourself

If you want to go further, here are some useful links to find a bookbox template to create a beautiful bookhouse yourself.

The movement Free Little Library is committed to the sharing and free distribution of books by citizens in homemade boxes around the world. Everyone can install their box of books. Boards, a few nails and a few books, a space accessible to all, there is no need for more! What to give you ideas to make your bookbox kit. The site lists more than 100,000 worldwide.

Another good address, the excellent site Update gives you 6 recommendations to follow to embark on the adventure and create a bookbox from scratch in your neighbourhood, city or village.

Good Sharings and Good Readings …