• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.

Search 74,075 Camino Questions

Book exchanging

The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
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
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
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.
 
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
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
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.
 
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros? If so, what was it and what to do??
I am not a fan of the Camino Francés, I have never walked it and most probabaly never will. (Please don't discuss the pros/cons of this route on this thread). However, despite my strong opinions...
I AM A PLANNER... I was 10 days in on my last camino before I was able to "relax" - that was when I finally had all of my nights booked. Please, do not make this a discussion about "to book or...
Not sure if this is appropriate use of the forum - but I just completed the Camino Frances last week (yay!!!) and bought a souvenir jet/silver ring for myself in Santiago, and the the jet stone...
My wife and I will finish our third camino next June in Santiago de Compostela. We will have approximately a week before we need to be in Lisbon. We are looking for advice for interesting places...

Featured threads

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Featured threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top