# Virtual Book-Sharing Trees Instead of Chopping Trees, EPM Helps Trees Offer Free Book Downloads By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-05-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epm References: [creativecriminals](http://creativecriminals.com/epm/tree-of-letters) & [epm.co](https://www.epm.com.co/site/) Turning a tree into a book is a destructive process, but as public utilities company EPM is proving, there's an easier way to read a book. In Medellín, if you want to read a book, you can go and sit at the base of a tree, connect to the 'Letter Tree wireless network on a mobile device and get access to a free book you can read. Each park tree has a totally unique book for download, so it's a brilliant way to encourage reading, as well as enjoying nature. Each of the trees that are part of the project are equipped with a distinctive birdhouse and a plaque explaining how it all works. The project by EPM was initiated as part of a way to encourage Columbians to read more than an average of two books per year, since this is one of the lowest rates in all of Latin America. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Library Distribution:** Opportunity for companies to provide digital distribution solutions for books, reducing physical consumption. - **Smart City Innovation:** Opportunity to develop smart city initiatives that incorporate technology solutions into everyday life. - **Eco-friendly Reading Programs:** Opportunity to create innovative reading programs that are eco-friendly and sustainable. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Publishing Industry:** Opportunity for book publishing companies to explore digital distribution solutions for their books. - **Smart City Technology Industry:** Opportunity for technology companies to develop solutions for smart city initiatives, such as the virtual book-sharing trees project. - **Environmental Sustainability Industry:** Opportunity for companies to create innovative solutions that promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices, such as the virtual book-sharing trees project. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Mobile Reading Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-us.md) - [Tree-Like Library Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-of-knowledge.md) - [Digital Book Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pdfdrive.md) - [Photosensitive Book Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-outside-book.md) - [Library-Based Inequity Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latin-america-memorial-library.md) - [Water-Activated Book Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dehydrating-book.md) - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md)