As New York City subway riders commute their way through the five boroughs, the Underground New York Public Library captures them mid-read. The photography project is found on the Underground New York Public Library Tumblr site and visually catalogs 'Reading-Riders' as they are photographed enthralled in their reading, whether it be paperback, graphic novel or e-book. Started and curated by photographer and storyteller Ourit Ben-Haim by capturing readers, the library indicates on its site that it, "freely lends out a reminder that we’re capable of traveling to great depths within ourselves and as a whole."
The photographs are part voyeuristic and part captivating with each book reflecting the reader and the entire project being a microcosm for escapism through travel as whole. Each of the photos is captioned by the name of the book the subway rider is reading. And, with hundreds of photos, the site is increasing popularity has spawned a helpful fan base that contributes to deciphering the unknown books in some of the photographs.
Reading Urbanite Subway Riders
The Underground New York Public Library Is A Visual Catalog Of Comm
Trend Themes
1. Visual Catalog of Readers - A trend capturing individuals engrossed in reading while commuting, providing opportunities for brands to target and engage with this captive audience.
2. Microcosm of Escapism - A trend showcasing subway riders using books as a means of escape, presenting opportunities for businesses to offer products or services that cater to the desire for mental journeys.
3. Crowdsourced Book Recognition - A trend of online communities collaboratively identifying books in photographs, opening up opportunities for bookstores or digital platforms to provide a platform for book enthusiasts to connect and share their knowledge.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can leverage the trend of capturing readers in public spaces to promote and market books to a wider audience, potentially leading to increased sales.
2. Transportation - The transportation industry can explore partnerships or advertising opportunities with the Underground New York Public Library to reach commuters and promote the use of their services while engaging with the readership trend.
3. Online Communities - The trend of crowdsourced book recognition presents opportunities for digital platforms or social media networks to create dedicated communities for book enthusiasts to discuss, recommend, and discover new reads.