During my search I found only a handful of sources listing public book cabinets. Most of the websites seemed poorly maintained. On one, the map didn\u2019t even display anymore; another was messy and unstructured, while others were clearly outdated. My better half then suggested creating an app for book exchange cabinets \u2014 a map is perfect for that! Especially useful when you\u2019re out somewhere, or exploring a new city, and the idea strikes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The map on Lesestunden and the Android app<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
On Lesestunden, you can now find a map<\/a> of public book exchange cabinets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It\u2019s based on Google Maps, so you can freely scroll and zoom, and search by address or location. Clicking a pin shows details about that specific book cabinet \u2014 the exact location, address, contact info, opening hours, and a link for more information (where available).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you can\u2019t find a cabinet, notice one that\u2019s been removed, or see incorrect information, you can report it through the map. Just select the cabinet, click the link in the info window, correct the data, and submit. After a brief check, I\u2019ll approve the change.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n The new Android app, BuchschrankFinder<\/em>, which I developed over the past few weeks, works the same way. It includes a map with all listed book exchange cabinets, showing the same details when you tap a pin. In the app, you can also correct information or report cabinets that no longer exist.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can also add new cabinets. On the web map, simply right-click the desired location to drop a new pin and enter the details. In the app, there\u2019s a dedicated button that opens a form for submitting the cabinet\u2019s data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For the initial dataset, I drew from existing websites that already list public book exchange cabinets. These include the Wikipedia page<\/a>, and another excellent project called OpenBookCase.org<\/a> \u2014 by far the best resource I found, listing over 2,000 cabinets worldwide. I also came across a list on Tauschgnom<\/a>, which seemed less well maintained. I consolidated all the book exchange cabinets from these three sources into a single database.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I\u2019m sure there are plenty of book exchange cabinets missing from the map \u2014 and perhaps some that no longer exist. That\u2019s why I need your help. If you know of or come across any book exchange cabinets, please report them through the app or the map.<\/strong> Who better than you \u2014 book bloggers and avid readers \u2014 to know all the hidden spots where people trade one of life\u2019s greatest joys? So here\u2019s my call to all of you: help me build a complete and high-quality directory of book exchange cabinets.<\/strong> It\u2019ll encourage people to use them more and strengthen this wonderful idea of public book swapping.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Well, unfortunately, I dropped out when Objective-C gave way to Swift, and I haven\u2019t done much iOS development since. So for now, iPhone users will have to stick with the web map. But if there\u2019s a developer out there who\u2019d like to create an iOS app, I\u2019d be happy to let them use my API. The REST API is very simple to use and easy to integrate. I\u2019d be thrilled if someone took this on!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now it\u2019s your turn. Use the app, explore the website, and send me your feedback. And don\u2019t forget to leave a 5-star review in the Play Store ;) I\u2019d also be very happy if you spread the word about this project. The more people know about the app and site, the more book exchange cabinets will find their way onto the map. I hope this will bring some fresh momentum to the wonderful culture of public book exchanges. And of course, I wish you lots of joy reading and discovering books with the app and the map!<\/p>\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Who doesn\u2019t know this problem: you\u2019re out and about, maybe shopping or having a beer with friends, and suddenly you desperately need a book. Or you really want to get rid of one quickly. It would be great if you could easily find a nearby book exchange cabinet \u2014 perhaps with a slick little app. … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lesestunden.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/app.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\nWhere do the book cabinets come from?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How you can help!<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
And what about iOS?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What\u2019s next<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n