# Suspended Tree Libraries The Livre Exchange by House Works Promotes Free Access to Reading By Meghan Young | Published 2013-05-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-livre-exchange References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/05/tree-library.html) & [hw12](http://www.hw12.com/Livre-Echange.html) The Livre Exchange is a rather unorthodox library. That is because it can also be considered as [part art installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail). It is comprised of a number of suspended containers shaped like the quintessential home. Made out of transparent plastic, each container holds a book that can be borrowed for free or with the exchange of one of the participant's own books. Created by [House Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-house-by-the-lake), a design collective based in France, the containers making up The Livre Exchange have been [tied to trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casetta-tessino) in locations where people tend to relax and read. It was created to encourage the literary act while also promoting free access to reading. It also provides a timeout from the digital world. The Livre Exchange was presented at the International Design Biennial 2013 in Saint-Étienne. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Suspended Tree Libraries:** The trend of creating suspended tree libraries presents an opportunity for artists and designers to promote literary exchange and encourage reading in outdoor spaces. - **Artistic Installations:** Artistic installations like The Livre Exchange can be used as a disruptive innovation in creating unique and engaging experiences that promote free access to reading. - **Promotion of Free Access:** The promotion of free access to reading through initiatives like The Livre Exchange creates opportunities for businesses to support literacy and engage with their local communities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Design and Architecture:** The design and architecture industry can leverage suspended tree libraries to create visually stunning structures that promote reading and art. - **Publishing:** The publishing industry can collaborate with initiatives like The Livre Exchange to facilitate the exchange of books and promote a culture of reading. - **Community Engagement:** The concept of suspended tree libraries presents opportunities for community organizations, festivals, and local businesses to enhance community engagement and support literacy initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.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) - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Revolving Bright Kinetic Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-light.md) - [Living Storage Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treevive.md) - [Reading-Focused Compact Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-tiny-house.md)