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BOOKS IN
NEVER-ENDING MOTION
�� � Librarians are saddened by the
fact that young people tend only to borrow reference
books rather than reading fiction
for pleasure. Perhaps it's unfashionable to read these
days. However, a new trend is
developing, with literary lovers leaving their books in
public places, to be picked up and
'borrowed' by others.
��� The Belarusian National Technical
University was the first to support the idea in
our country. Several years ago,
the Director of its scientific library, Alexey Skalaban,
passed an internship1 in Sweden. At
the airport, he saw a huge glass case of books, which
he learnt were available for
anyone to read. It was a great idea. The question was only
where such books might be kept in
Minsk.
���� "Initially, we created a
shelf in the reading hall of the University's scientific library.
Later, we installed a case in the
main building. It's available to everyone," explains
Mr. Skalaban. "We want to encourage
young people to read. Book-crossing is an easy
way to do this." Alexey is
looking at a website devoted to book-crossing. "Look, we've
set free almost 700 books,"
he admits with pride. On the day I visited, I saw only
two books in the case. The inside
cover has a plate stating that it is part of the bookcrossing
programme, alongside a
registration number showing who donated the book
and when.
������ Library staff, students and even
residents of neighbouring houses bring books.
Additionally, publishing houses
have donated some editions. Every year, more such
'safe' places are found. Not long
ago, a Minsk night club installed a shelf of books.
While some people dance, others
gather by the shelves of books, magazines and discs.
"We've subscribed to several
magazines, while books are brought in by our guests,
staff and musicians. This is how
our collection grows," says Yan Busel, who co-owns
the club.
����� Book-crossing is gaining
popularity, with safe shelves found in many libraries,
as well as cafes and educational
establishments. No doubt, it's a great way to attract
visitors.
1 an internship ['ɪntɜːnʃɪp] �����������, ����������
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