Book exchanging

[Dov of the Galilee]

I was surprised when I did a search that nothing came up on the topic so here we go.
Is it common in the albergues to have a few shelves of books free to take and exchange out ones you have?

 

[Tincatinker]

Not common but it does occur. A book left on a communal table may be appreciated or may provoke a frantic search for the owner… a note in Spanish and English “in search of a new reader” might avoid the maybe

 

[Dov of the Galilee]

Not common but it does occur. A book left on a communal table may be appreciated or may provoke a frantic search for the owner… a note in Spanish and English “in search of a new reader” might avoid the maybe

I certainly don't want to create a headache, I'll bear this in mind

 

[J Willhaus]

I have seen books left in various languages by pilgrims at our albergues. There may also be some guidebooks or materials from the regional tourism office. We often had maps, pamplets, etc. I would check with the hospitalero/a if you are leaving or want to take a book.

 

[Bedspring]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/are-there-book-swaps-on-the-camino-what-book-would-you-take.86260/#post-1245975

 

[Dov of the Galilee]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/are-there-book-swaps-on-the-camino-what-book-would-you-take.86260/#post-1245975

That was interesting to read through. Weight is certainly an issue for so many it seems so a book is not going to make the cut for many. I think about down time personally, I walk now routinely for six hours and I sleep 5 to 6 hours a night. That leaves me with half a day. There's showering and a bit of laundry and getting a meal perhaps but that leaves a boat load of time to pass. I can't read anything on a phone for a prolonged time, five to ten minutes and I'm maxed out. Personally I'm tired of seeing everyone staring at screens no matter where you go ...especially the ones walking across the street pushing a pram and paying no attention to the dangers all around. Of course there's little to worry about in a bed

 

[J Willhaus]

I think it is fine to have a book, but they do add weight and frankly, there are so many different languages, it is hard to have a book exchange unless you read Spanish, French, Dutch, German, English, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, etc. I am certain you will find some books, but the selection may be slim.

 

[jsalt]

I was surprised when I did a search that nothing came up on the topic so here we go.
Is it common in the albergues to have a few shelves of books free to take and exchange out ones you have?

10 years ago I had no problem exchanging books on the camino, but sadly those days have almost gone. Occasionally you might find a book left somewhere, and I still do leave paperbacks in albergues. Sometimes I have to carry it an extra day or two to be able to leave it where someone else can pick it up (in an albergue instead of a pension). But I have found good books recently – e.g. someone left “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed last year, which I devoured, and left at another albergue a few days further on. But don’t bank on finding anything. I download about 10 books onto my Kindle on my phone before I set off, in case I don’t find any hard copies along the way.

 

[chinacat]

I’ve replied to @Bedspring on her original thread, since she’s not walking until June.

@Dov of the Galilee - I hope you find some great reading matter.

Buen Camino!

 

[Kiwi-family]

You could take up knitting. I take a ball of yarn to knit a pair of socks in my downtime (after I’ve journaled and blogged). Weighs 100g. You might find yourself chatting to people too.