Read Purple: A Free Novel Exchange for the JMU Community

Posted November 13, 2025 in Uncategorized

Ready to start a new book? Read Purple is a free, informal book exchange where JMU students, faculty, and staff can share and discover novels.  

How does it work? Stop by the Read Purple cart on the first floor of Hartman Hall, choose a book that catches your eye, and read it at your own pace. When you’re done, return it to the cart for someone else to enjoy. You can even leave a short note or review inside the cover to share your thoughts with future readers! 

Where to find it: From Hartman Hall’s main entrance, cross the atrium and take a slight right to find the hallway with the CoB Research Support Suite (offices 1060-1062). Halfway down the hallway, you’ll find the book cart outside the offices of JMU Business Librarians Elizabeth Price and Valerie Linsinbigler, who brought Read Purple to JMU. 

Donations of gently used fiction books and graphic novels are welcome and can be dropped off at the cart. 

Visit Read Purple now to find your next novel! 

Questions? For more information or to get involved, email bizinfo@jmu.edu.