The Logos Hope is the world's largest floating bookstore with over 5,000 titles including Christian books. Run by a German charity organization, the onboard book fair is part of its mission to bring books to countries where books are less accessible.
Books are processed in a warehouse in Florence, USA before they are delivered to the Logos Hope and are sold at below recommended retail prices.
The staff and crew on board the Logos Hope are all volunteers from over 45 countries and are unpaid during their one or two-years' onboard service. Though they are all volunteers, they meet the standard required by the international maritime regulations.
Even the Captain is unpaid.
So how does the Logos Hope remain sustainable?
Half of the funding needed comes from the sponsorship of personnel on board given by friends, family and other supporters. Hence, applicants have to secure their own financial sponsorship before joining the Logos Hope. Another quarter of the funding comes from the sale of books and non-book items (such as souvenirs) in the onboard book fair. The last quarter comes from gifts and donations given by individuals, trusts, foundations and community groups.
Half of the funding needed comes from the sponsorship of personnel on board given by friends, family and other supporters. Hence, applicants have to secure their own financial sponsorship before joining the Logos Hope. Another quarter of the funding comes from the sale of books and non-book items (such as souvenirs) in the onboard book fair. The last quarter comes from gifts and donations given by individuals, trusts, foundations and community groups.
Whenever the Logos Hope sails to a country, it also helps to set up libraries in local schools, children’s homes, and other community organizations. Since 2004, it has distributed more than 3
million books and had more than 2.5 million visitors onboard.
million books and had more than 2.5 million visitors onboard.
Based on their schedule, the Logos Hope is now in Dry Dock, Hong Kong till 13th May, 2013. Thereafter, it will set sail to other parts of Asia. Sadly, it is not sailing to Singapore; the closest is to Malaysia, Kuching.
Photo source: GBA ships