Malvern duo’s Books on the Rail idea is going national

MELBURNIANS are clamouring to become “book ninjas” by embracing a novel idea to share books with strangers — and prompting the founders of the initiative to take it nationwide.

Michelle Kalus and Ali Berg have been inundated with requests from people wanting to be “book ninjas” after a Leader story about Books on the Rail. Picture: Stuart Milligan

MELBURNIANS are clamouring to become “book ninjas” by embracing a novel idea to share books with strangers — and prompting the founders of the initiative to take it nationwide.

Since a Leader story about Books on the Rail ran online last week, creators Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus have been inundated with requests from people wanting to join the movement.

These included regional rail commuters, schools, book clubs and interstate booklovers.

“We have to thank Leader for getting the word out about us. We have been truly blown away by the positive feedback and successive media attention we have received,” Ms Kalus said

She said they would be sending Books on the Rail stickers to people in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth who had expressed interest becoming interstate “book ninjas”.

“In today’s age of technology, it is heartening to see how alive and rich people’s love of reading is. Knowing that we are going to be able to expand our geographical reach with the help of our many eager book ninjas is so exciting.”

Books on the Rail encourages people to become “book ninjas” and drop novels on trains, trams and buses for commuters to read then leave for other passengers to discover.

It was inspired by the Books on the Underground movement in London, and started in April when Ms Berg and Ms Kalus left a copy of Paullina Simons’ The Bronze Horseman at South Yarra Station.

There are presently about 300 Books on the Rail novels making their way around Melbourne’s public transport routes.

Each book has a sticker saying ‘Take a book, read it and then return it for someone else to enjoy’ and anyone can request stickers to become “book ninjas”.

The Malvern duo is now looking to partner with organisations to help them keep up with the overwhelming demand for Books on the Rail labels.

Ms Kalus, a primary school teacher at Camberwell Girls Grammar School, said the self-funded project was costly to produce and distribute the decals.

“We’re now looking at ways to grow sustainably. We’re looking for organisations to partner with and help us grow,” she said.

“We wouldn’t want money to prevent a book reaching an eager reader.”

Metro spokesman Marcus Williams said the movement had its approval.

“While we can’t take any credit and have no formal involvement, this is an example of a positive community initiative and one we admire,” he said.

Metro has briefed staff to ensure the books were not confused with rubbish or lost property.

“As long as there’s no impact to customer comfort or safety, and there’s no indication that there is, we’re pleased to see the initiative continue,” Mr Williams said.

Meanwhile, bus service operator Transdev Melbourne tweeted their support saying: “@Transdev_Melb welcomes all book ninjas! Great initiative, long live books!”

For more information visit booksontherail.com