writes: Visit http://www.bookcrossing.com/. This is a “catch and release” site for books – its similar to the Yellow Bike Program. It’s a global sociology experiment that is the brainchild of a group of KC-based computer consultants. bookcrossing.com tries to encourage people to experience “The Karma of Literature”. The idea is that you find a book you like, go to their web site and register it, slap the recommended label inside the book’s cover, and then leave it somewhere! The label says, “Please read me, I’m not lost. I’m travling around trying to make friends.” You can even leave hints to others about where you placed it. I just checked their website and so far there have been 25 releases right here in C’ville.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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Make that 26 releases right here in C’ville. My book, “Birdseed Cookies: A Fractured Memoir” is listed on that site as having been released on the mall during the book festival. Don’t know where it went from there.
This is a great idea – I just wish I’d find one of these bookcrossing books around town.
Janis Jaquith
http://www.radioessays.com
Wow, what a cool idea! Now I know what I’m doing this weekend: trying to hunt one of those down.
should we put them so other cvillenewers can join the fun. I say the downtown coffehouses
I am in! I will put mine next to the very next yellow bike I see
Anonymous writes: “I will put mine next to the very next yellow bike I see.”
That’s the second mention of the bike program in this thread. Has anyone seen an official (quarterly?) progress report on this public/private project?
Why don’t you go look that up for us, Belle?
I’m really curious about the statistics on this thing. it’s a glorious idea, but it would be interesting to see how many books actually get noted as having changed hands even once, let alone more. I don’t doubt people pick the books up, but does the journal entry thing really fly?
All they have are stats on books released and most active members and whatnot. they do list a “successful releases” leader board for users, but it would be cool to see the most successful books too. Have I just missed where to find this info (without looking at an individual book record)?
Word of mouth is of course important.. people will be more likely to use it properly if they’ve heard of it before.