Book Crossing Campaign Launched at BelSU

Two book stands have been set up in the hall on the first floor of Building 12 at Belgorod State University. The campaign’s rules are simple: take any book that interests you and leave another book on the shelf in return – and it does not have to be brand new.

International Book Giving Day began in 2012, with the core message emphasizing that a book remains one of the best gifts, even in our technology-driven age. The campaign aims to prevent printed books from facing an unfortunate fate, whether due to their owners moving, losing interest, or simply discarding them.

The Nikolay Strakhov Scientific Library has long been a proponent of book donations and exchanges at Belgorod State University. Designated book exchange areas can be found in Building 15 (85 Pobedy Street) near the entrance to the medical literature hall (Rooms 2-5) and in Building 4 (14 Studencheskaya Street) at the general literature circulation desk (Room 209).

Alina Melchenko, director of the Nikolay Strakhov Scientific Library, highlighted the unifying spirit of International Book Giving Day, which brings together people who donate books to others or leave them in public spaces to find new homes.

‘In these specially designated book exchange areas, you can pick a book you like and leave one of yours in return. This way, books ‘travel’ to find their readers, encouraging more people to engage with literature,’ commented Alina Melchenko.

In honour of International Book Giving Day, the university library has also prepared two exhibitions: “Books Donated by Readers” (at 85 Pobedy Street, Building 15, Room 1-26) and “A Selfless Gift of the Soul” (at 14 Studencheskaya Street, Building 4, Room 209).