One ordinary day, one extraordinary book
Every June 16th, readers gather to celebrate Bloomsday, the day on which the entire action of James Joyce''s Ulysses takes place. Fans walk through Dublin, read passages aloud and retrace the steps of Leopold Bloom.
What makes Bloomsday special is its spirit: it turns reading into something public, shared and a little playful. A book usually read alone becomes a reason for people to meet.
A book is better when it''s passed on
Ulysses has a reputation for being difficult, and that is exactly why it travels so well between readers. People lend it, scribble notes in the margins and pass on their tips:
- "Skip ahead if you get stuck, then come back."
- "Read this chapter out loud — it makes more sense."
- "Don''t worry, nobody finishes it on the first try."
A shared book comes with a shared map. The reader before you leaves clues for the reader after.
Your community is your library
You don''t need to be in Dublin to feel the Bloomsday spirit. On Lektu, the library lives on your neighbours'' shelves. The book you''ve been meaning to read might be just around the corner.
Three ways to celebrate Bloomsday
- Lend a book you love but rarely open anymore.
- Look for a classic in the community — Joyce, or any book you''ve always meant to try.
- Leave a friendly note inside for the next reader.
A book left on a shelf is a journey that never starts. On Lektu, we like our books on the move.
Add your shelf to the community and lend your first book today.