Community Netiquette & Safety Guidelines

Welcome to our neighborhood book hunt! Our community grows when everyone treats the shared book boxes, private property, and fellow players with care and respect. Please read these guidelines before heading out on your hunt.

Respect Street Libraries & Property

• Care for the Box: Handle street book boxes gently. Always make sure the door is closed securely after logging or exchanging a book to protect it from rain, snow, or wind.
• Respect Private Property: Many book boxes are located on private lawns or near front porches. Stay on public sidewalks and pathways. Do not trespass on private lawns, trample gardens, or visit boxes late at night or during unusual hours.
• Never Overcrowd or Damage: If a book box is completely full, do not force extra books inside. Never deface, damage, or vandalize book boxes or books.

Fair Play & QR Tag Etiquette

• Keep Tags Intact: The QR stickers and tags are what make the game work for everyone. Do not remove, deface, or cover QR codes on registered books.
  
• Accurate Logging: Only scan a book when you have physically found it at a location. Falsifying scans or sharing QR codes online spoils the fun for the community.
  
• Keep Books Moving: If you take a tagged book home to read, that’s great! Once you are finished, try to place it back into a public book box so someone else can find it and earn points.
  

Physical Safety Guideline

• Stay Aware of Traffic: Book boxes are often near roads and driveways. Keep your head up, watch for cars, and pay attention to your surroundings—especially when using your phone screen.
  
• Safety First for Young Hunters: Children should always hunt for books with an adult or trusted partner, especially when exploring new neighborhoods.
  
• Weather & Northern Conditions: If you are hunting in winter or cold weather, dress warmly, watch out for icy sidewalks, and ensure your device battery stays warm so it doesn't shut down while scanning.
  

Digital Etiquette & Log Comments

• Keep Comments Friendly & Positive: When you log a scan, leave a kind note or brief review for the next finder. Unkind, offensive, or inappropriate comments will be removed.
  
• Protect Personal Privacy: Do not share private personal information (like exact house numbers, full names, or phone numbers) in public log notes or photos.