I've signed up; have you? I don't know if I'll be chosen, but at least I tossed my hat in the ring to give away a stack of books on April 23, World Book Night.

The event began last year in the United Kingdom and Ireland, when a million books were given away randomly--to kids in schools, elderly folk in senior centers and nursing homes, people in parks, and in shops, and hustling down the street. What a hoot, to just hand someone a good,good book, no strings attached. And what a hoot to receive one, I would think.

The United States joined in this year, and now recent word comes that Germany is in, too, for this year, with more countries poised to join the fun next year.

I blogged about this in December, so I don't want to repeat myself too much here. But you should know that several Minnesota authors are on the list to have their books given away--Kate DiCamillo, and Tim O'Brien, and Neil Gaiman, and Leif Enger. And all authors (there are 30 different books that will be given away, in lots of 20) have waived their royalty rights. Publishers and libraries and bookstores are supporting the cause.

Here's where you can sign up. There are a few (very few) rules: You must be 16 or older, and you must be able to pick up 20 copies of your chosen book from a local bookstore or library. And you must tell the World Book Night folks why you're interested. They're looking for 50,000 volunteers. What have you got to lose?

If you want to read about the adventures of one book-giver, read the blog of the woman pictured above, Jane-Ann Purdy from Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland. It's pretty funny, and I'm sure that the kinks will all be worked out for this year's event.