The Open Book Exchange encourages people to share their passion for reading on a community level.
We build colorful handmade Book Boxes (using reclaimed materials whenever possible), then fill them with donated books and install them in public places throughout the Tampa Bay area. Passersby are encouraged to take a book, or leave a book, in free literary trade. It’s that simple!
Inspiration came from the Little Free Libraries of Wisconsin. Their program has placed thousands of similar Little Libraries in parks across the country, but few are in Florida. Our goal is to continue installing as many Book Boxes as possible throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and to inspire others throughout the state to build their own.
We successfully installed our first custom-built Book Box outside The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg in September 2012, and our second outside Whimzey House in Safety Harbor that December. Our third was installed March 2013 at Community Stepping Stones in Tampa. Since then we have received overwhelming interest in the project, and are raising funds to purchase more construction materials.
This project was also recently featured on the Fox 13 News, "What's Right With Tampa Bay" segment.
Our design uses reclaimed materials such as fence posts, donated paint and cabinet doors whenever possible. Initial book inventory and upkeep are provided by the Bluebird Books mobile literary arts project. As the Book Exchange grows, volunteer caretakers are recruited from neighborhoods where Book Boxes are planted, creating even stronger community connections.
The way people consume literature is changing. Our project celebrates the tangible book and brings reading to a local level by finding new, free ways to share the written word — be it classic literature, art books, nonfiction or zines.
The Open Book Exchange was a Top Ten finalist in Creative Loafing and Creative Tampa Bay’s 10/100/1000 ‘Big Idea’ Challenge in April 2012. We have moved forward by funding the project out of pocket, and received warm community support.
Want to help by donating books, construction materials, or funds? Perhaps you'd like to be a Book Box steward, host one in your neighborhood, or find out how to build your own? Please contact us to learn more.
Thank you for your support. Keep reading!
We build colorful handmade Book Boxes (using reclaimed materials whenever possible), then fill them with donated books and install them in public places throughout the Tampa Bay area. Passersby are encouraged to take a book, or leave a book, in free literary trade. It’s that simple!
Inspiration came from the Little Free Libraries of Wisconsin. Their program has placed thousands of similar Little Libraries in parks across the country, but few are in Florida. Our goal is to continue installing as many Book Boxes as possible throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and to inspire others throughout the state to build their own.
We successfully installed our first custom-built Book Box outside The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg in September 2012, and our second outside Whimzey House in Safety Harbor that December. Our third was installed March 2013 at Community Stepping Stones in Tampa. Since then we have received overwhelming interest in the project, and are raising funds to purchase more construction materials.
This project was also recently featured on the Fox 13 News, "What's Right With Tampa Bay" segment.
Our design uses reclaimed materials such as fence posts, donated paint and cabinet doors whenever possible. Initial book inventory and upkeep are provided by the Bluebird Books mobile literary arts project. As the Book Exchange grows, volunteer caretakers are recruited from neighborhoods where Book Boxes are planted, creating even stronger community connections.
The way people consume literature is changing. Our project celebrates the tangible book and brings reading to a local level by finding new, free ways to share the written word — be it classic literature, art books, nonfiction or zines.
The Open Book Exchange was a Top Ten finalist in Creative Loafing and Creative Tampa Bay’s 10/100/1000 ‘Big Idea’ Challenge in April 2012. We have moved forward by funding the project out of pocket, and received warm community support.
Want to help by donating books, construction materials, or funds? Perhaps you'd like to be a Book Box steward, host one in your neighborhood, or find out how to build your own? Please contact us to learn more.
Thank you for your support. Keep reading!
