Open Sidewalk Project – FAQs
General Curiosity
It’s a literary movement where books are released into the world and their journeys — with your notes, photos, and reflections — become a living archive of connection.
We build on BookCrossing’s global tracking system and often cross paths with Little Free Libraries — but the heart of OSP is reflection. Each book carries your note and your photo from the release point, which together become postcards in a living archive. Your café table could be the place a story changes hands
Waldo is the protagonist of Finding Waldo Within. In the novel he searches for himself — now, he searches for you. He’s our first symbol of what it means for stories to keep moving.
Because sidewalks are where strangers meet and journeys overlap. “Open” signals generosity — stories set free as gifts. Left in the spirit of random kindness, waiting for the next reader to discover them.
No. The Open Sidewalk Project is a literary movement, not a 501(c). Participation is always free. Donations and sponsorships are optional ways to help more books travel.
How It Works
Discover the book you find. Reflect by leaving a short note. Set it free again for the next reader. Mark the moment with a photo and your reflection — proof that stories keep traveling.
Scan the QR or enter the BookCrossing ID to leave a thought, memory, or question. It’s optional — but reflections are the heartbeat of the project, and yours might be the spark someone else carries forward.
That’s how its journey is tracked, connecting your reflection to everyone else who carries it forward.
That’s okay — keep it as long as you like. When you’re ready, let it travel again. Many readers who connect deeply choose to buy their own copy to keep while letting the traveling one continue. If it moved you, chances are someone else needs that connection too.
Yes. Start by registering your book through Open Sidewalk Project to receive a BCID. Then you can link that BCID with the release of your book, download inserts, and add reflections. Your shelf can become a launchpad for stories in motion.
Participation
Not ready to release yet? You can still watch the journey unfold. Track Waldo’s First 100 releases, explore reflections, and enjoy the archive as it grows. Following the story is part of the story, too.
A café, shop, or community space that welcomes books to rest between readers. Your counter, shelf, or bench could be the place a story begins again.
It’s a volunteer role — someone who helps curate and track releases in their city. No training, just curiosity and care.
Finish a book together, then “wild release” your copies into the world as a shared ritual. The discussion doesn’t end when the meeting does — it continues with strangers who find your books.
Offer a small space — a table, counter, or shelf — where books can wait for their next reader. Sidewalk Librarians can help with prep and tracking, keeping the process simple and stress-free.
Sponsors fuel the project by supporting book releases, events, and supplies. Just as importantly, they help spread awareness — educating the communities they serve about the joy of shared stories. In return, their name aligns with a movement built on generosity and connection.
Impact & Future
It becomes part of the Open Sidewalk Archive — visible proof that stories keep traveling.
Yes. Each book has its own page where you can follow its path — with reflections and photos appearing like postcards from every stop along the way.
By books released, reflections logged, photos shared, and the number of spaces that welcome stories.
Partnerships with Little Free Libraries, book drives for underserved communities, and a New Author Release Program supporting indie writers.
Yes. Waldo is the first ambassador — but others will follow, tied to new stories and themes.
Practical / Logistics
Yes. The bag and insert are designed to be reused — like packing a bag for the book’s next leg of the journey. It keeps the story protected and ready to travel again.
That’s part of the journey. Some disappear — others reappear months later in surprising places. And some find a “forever home,” permanently adopted into a family’s shelf.
No. Finding, reading, reflecting, and releasing a book is always free. The only costs are optional — if clubs, cafés, or individuals want to release additional books, they can purchase copies or order extra supplies. Corporate sponsors and charities may underwrite larger releases or kits, helping more readers join the journey.
All materials are available as free downloads in the Basecamp / Toolkit section at opensidewalkproject.org. You can always print them locally and use them to prepare your own wild releases with the books you choose.
You choose. Reflections can be shared anonymously, signed with your first name, full name, or even a group name (like a book club or sponsor). No account or screen name is required — just the note you want to leave behind.
Visit opensidewalkproject.org/contact — or reach out through email: team@opensidewalkproject.org