Book sharing website bolsters reading in Taiwan

2015/07/31

A website promoting the sharing of books in Taiwan is generating increasing public interest, with more than 600 members joining since its launch in late 2014.

Boasting 630 titles and counting, iReading operates at no charge nationwide through pickup points like stores and bed-and-breakfasts. The stock is sourced 60-40 from purchases by founder Lin Nong-wei and the collections of subscribers.

“The value of books can be maximized only when they are read by as many people as possible,” Lin said. “In serving as a borderless information platform, the service fosters an open mindset and encourages readers to share reviews, experiences and thoughts.”

According to Lin, he is working to build inventory at a speed comparable to that of popular online bookstores. Some of the books include ‘Ladder of Years’ by Pulitzer Prize-winner Anne Tyler,” he said, adding that the title has been read by 11 members in Hsinchu, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei cities, with eight more on the waiting list.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the website for Lin to date has been the discovery of vast reserves of trust in the community.

“Trust plays a key role when it comes to sharing books among strangers,” he said. “Most people receiving books sans shipping fees will extend this goodwill to the next lender, creating a virtuous cycle.”

Lin said open channels of communication via social media networks are another way of keeping members abreast of book movements and fostering a culture of collective responsibility. “I like to think everyone has an altruistic investment in the success of the service, probably explaining why we have kept losses to just three books.”

Echoing Lin’s remarks, the operator of a B&B pickup point in outlying Kinmen County praised the initiative, describing it as offering fresh fields for local readers restricted to the limited selections at libraries and bricks-and-mortar bookstores.

“There is a definite need for the website and we wish it every success in helping the readers of Taiwan gain inexpensive access to popular and rare reads alike.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233182&ctNode=413)