Booxup is an app that enables individuals to lend and borrow books for free, and favors socialization, by putting readers in contact. Founded by Robin Sappe and David Mennesson, two developers based in Paris, in only 8 months since its launch Booxup's library already counts thousands of books available in 20 languages.
The app is aimed at those who find the cost of books too high and who are reading lovers.
So far it has already seduced thousands of users who want to have access to books in an alternative and totally free way.
With 97% of books being stuck on bookshelves at home, Booxup enables people to share books with their neighbors, giving them new life.

The app works in a very simple way: once it is downloaded on users' smartphone, those who wish to share their real bookshop have to scan the bar code of their books and add them in the app, where they will be able to have access to the books of other users. Thanks to a geolocation service, they will find the books of who lives close to them and that interest them the most.
By following the profiles of the other registered users, it is possible to read their comments, books reviews, and to know what they have recently read.
Booxup is not only an app to lend/borrow books: it also favors cultural exchange and meeting between people who are passionate about literature. Who is interested in borrowing a book can send a message to the owner, thanks to the application chat, in order to meet him in person and discuss about literature.
Books, as Booxup founders say, are good “icebreakers” and multiply meetings.
In this digital era, where applications only benefit digital books, Booxup puts paper books at the centre of its strategy.
Individual bookshop and collective library at the same time, Booxup works all over the world and is available for free on the App store.
An Android version will be shortly launched.

Cover photo by Stewart Butterfield/Getty Images