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Librarian Charlie Schwab always liked the idea of leaving books in random places for people to find and enjoy. That’s why he started The Abandoned Book Project.
“It’s a great way to encourage reading,” he says, adding that he’s dropped books in doctor’s offices, laundromats and bus benches (in good weather.)
Several years ago, Charlie built two little free libraries – one in Port Orange and one in Daytona Beach Shores.
“They do really well,” he says with a smile. “You can take a book or leave one. The free library in Daytona Beach Shores is next to a children’s play are in McElroy Park, so I keep it stocked with children’s books. I built those before I thought of the Abandoned Book Project.”
Of course, a book without a bookmark is like a walk in the woods without a compass – you’ll lose your way before you know it. Leaving a book with an Abandoned Book Project bookmark helps keep the traveler on course, and spreads the word of the project. You can use the link on www.theabondonedbookproject.com to download bookmarks at home. (Charlie recommends using card stock instead of regular paper because it’s sturdier.)
“I created the bookmark to be left in the books I was abandoning so people knew the book was intentionally left to be found,” he explains. “I started a Facebook page to cultivate a community around the project and get people to join the conversation. I get posts from the U.K., China and lots of other places. We’re across the pond! I love to see where the books get to.”
According to Charlie, when you abandon a book, you’re leaving a world waiting to be discovered; a sojourn yet to be taken; ideas left uncovered. In a world that’s consumed with living through a screen, it’s nice to unplug from the internet and settle in with a good book.
Renee Garrison is an award-winning author and past president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.