Introducing...The Book Exchange

Perhaps as non-Chinese speakers and readers, many of us can feel cut off from good books or movies. Many of us have books or videos around the house that we have used and would, hopefully, be willing to "release to the Universe". Most of us would also love to have access to some fresh reading or viewing material. Although the idea of a book exchange has been discussed, it has not been successful so far. The main problem seems to be administrative...how to charge for or control access to the "collection".

To overcome this problem I would like to propose a different kind of Book Exchange -- no fees, sign outs or return requirements. This concept works very well for Jackie's in Yantai, where I taught last year. Books left with Jackie were simply on display whenever the restaurant was open, available for any interested readers. Jackie, of course, had developed a large collection over the years so had no exchange requirements when I knew him. I simply went there once a month or so for dinner and took home a few books to read, usually bringing back the ones I'd read the month before. 

People were constantly dropping off books they had read and borrowing new ones. Jackie's collection circulated freely and constantly, and always seemed to be growing, never shrinking. He also had a large collection of music videos and movies that he controlled access to a little more carefully.

At Napoli Italian Restaurant at 43 Hong Kong West Road, a similar arrangement has been set up by our community. They have make some storage space available to us. Napoli is open everyday from 10.30am.

To help add to the collection and get it started the "exchange" policy will be "Bring two; take one".  If you have books that you have read and would be willing to circulate -- with no return guarantees -- bring them to Napoli and see what others have to offer. Leave your two books behind and take some fresh material home to enjoy. Once you've read it, you can always bring it back for another new book next time.

Of course, availability may be limited at the first session but, once we have a small stock of books available, it should be easier. Hours and access can be adjusted depending on interest. Help us to make The Book Exchange a success.  Stop to chat, exchange, have a glass of wine or a beer or dinner. If response is enthusiastic, we may all be able to enjoy reading books of our own selection at our own pace -- and maybe a bit of casual social time to discuss the books we have read or would like to contribute to the pool.  If the book exchange goes well, we may extend it to DVD's etc.