Books Ahoy
The world's largest floating bookstore the Logos Hope drops anchor in Bangkok to spread the good words and thoughts
- Published: 1 Mar 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Guru
Having been at sea to "bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world" since February 2009, the Logos Hope has arrived in Bangkok in the timely year the city has been bestowed the title of World Book Capital. The floating book fair recently anchored at Klong Toey Port allowing Bangkok's bibliophiles to enjoy their literary love and cultural diversity.
Built as a passenger car ferry in 1973, the vessel was originally named Gustav Vasa. It sailed North Atlantic routes until 1983 before being renamed Norrona. In 2004, the ship was finally sold to its current owner, GBA Ships e.V. (GBA stands for Good Books for All), a non-profit organisation based in Germany. After extensive renovations, the Logos Hope has been readied for her new charitable role as a floating bookstore and a messenger of goodwill.
In Greek, "logos" means word, thought, principle or speech. The 130m-long biblio ship sails, promising hope around the world to provide access to literature and a wide range of aid and relief projects to every port city she arrives in. There are over 400 volunteers of 16 nationalities on board. The crew members represent international understanding and promote peace by embracing global cultures.
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