KirjaSissit

KirjaSissit is a Finnish term that translates to "Book Guerillas" or "Book Commandos." It refers to a decentralized, informal movement of individuals who engage in the practice of leaving books in public places for others to discover and read. This activity is a form of book-sharing that aims to promote reading and make literature more accessible.

The concept of KirjaSissit is rooted in the broader international practice of "bookcrossing" or "book dropping." Participants, often referred to as KirjaSissit themselves, will select books they have finished and place them in locations where they are likely to be found by new readers. These locations can range from park benches and bus stops to coffee shops, libraries, and even public transportation.

The primary motivation behind KirjaSissit activities is to share the joy of reading and to give books a new life beyond their initial ownership. It encourages a sense of community among readers and fosters serendipitous literary encounters. There is no formal organization or membership required to be a KirjaSissi; it is a voluntary act of book sharing. Participants may sometimes leave notes inside the books encouraging the finder to read it and then re-hide it for someone else, perpetuating the cycle. The movement emphasizes the idea of books as objects to be experienced and shared, rather than solely owned.