On January 6, 2025, a book boXX was ceremoniously set up on the market square in Ostritz. The public book exchange cabinet is the result of close cooperation between the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the town of Ostritz. Under the motto "Bring a book, take a book, read a book", the book box is not only intended to promote the exchange of literature, but also to serve as a social meeting point to revitalize the market square.

The project was conceived and implemented over four semesters by students under the direction of Cordula Lasner-Tietze and Professor Nadine Jukschat as part of a project management seminar in the Social Work course. The involvement of the local community was a central component of the community-oriented project. The students carried out a site inspection and asked the people of Ostritz about their ideas and wishes for the new public space. As part of a workshop, children developed creative designs for the book box, and visitors to the 2024 Christmas market were able to contribute their own motifs. Accessibility aspects were also included in the planning.

The opening of the Bücherboxx marks the end of a successful project study for the students. For Ostritz, the opening is a prelude: "The book box will be what Ostritz makes of it!" emphasized Jukschat in her opening speech

"The book box invites everyone - in good weather - to linger, to sink into a book, to dream or to chat about the last book they read and beyond," Jukschat continued. She emphasized that the project not only makes literature accessible, but also serves as a meeting place for exchange and dialogue and could become the starting point for cultural events. She also explained that the book box is a place of diversity and democratic urban society and also comes with responsibility: "There is no place for inhumane texts, propaganda and garbage here!" To ensure this, the students developed usage guidelines.

The town of Ostritz and its citizens can now look forward to a new place of literary discovery and exchange. The joint work of students and the local community shows how public spaces can be revitalized through civic engagement and creative ideas.