Beach Reads Get a Whole New Meaning

Flashback four years to Australia’s Bondi Beach, where IKEA set up 30 of its bookcases stocked with thousands of books for a massive pop-up swap. Although this was a one-day affair, it sparked us to find some more permanent (well, somewhat permanent) beachside “free” bookstores.

Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

Opened in 2013, the glass-encased public library on Corniche Beach houses an expansive general collection, children’s books, desktop computers, and iPads in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development.

Tel Aviv, Israel

After success at Metzitzim Beach last year, the pop-up library concept in Israel will be expanding to Jerusalem Beach, Gordon Beach, and Cliff Beach. Last year, the Metzitzim location carried 500 books in five languages with Wi-Fi tablets for easy checkout.

Albena Resort, Bulgaria

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In its second year, the Black Sea resort’s beach library shelves more than 6,000 volumes in 15 different languages. In addition, free books will be offered at two new locations on the beach this year.

Seine-Maritime, France

Perhaps the first to try this “trend” was France’s “Read on the Beach” program, which has traveled with its mini-library since 2006 to all areas of the country. For the summer months, beachgoers can enjoy all genres of books (even documentaries) at 12 beaches in the Seine-Maritime region. View a full list of locations here.

You Tell Us: Where in the world would you like to see a beachfront library?

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(Photo: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)