The Library Roulette Project is an anti-algorithm fiction-first reading experiment powered by true randomness and the public library stacks.

It started with a simple question: what would happen if I stopped choosing my own books? What if I found a way to let the library stacks choose for me — so that’s what I did.

And I built a system to make sure I couldn’t cheat.

How It Works

I created a coordinate system that selects a stack, shelf, row, and book number from my local library’s fiction section. Whatever book lives in that exact spot becomes the pull. If it’s not in the middle of a series, I check it out and commit.

No swapping. No “maybe next time.” I hop on for the ride and see where it takes me.

Does this always produce great reads? Absolutely not.
Is it interesting? Almost always.

Each Roulette Pull gets a short, honest record of the experience — what worked, what didn’t, who might enjoy it, and whether it was worth the gamble.

If a book lingers or completely hijacks my brain, it may get a deeper reflection.

Why Libraries?

Because they operate on a radical premise: that information should be free, that access shouldn’t depend on income, and that a community’s knowledge belongs to the community. That idea is worth supporting and defending.

You can walk into a public library and access hundreds or even thousands of stories for free — not just the ones currently being marketed, but the backlist, the midlist, the strange little one-offs, and the forgotten gems. Entire decades of fiction are sitting there, available without a sponsored link in sight.

This isn’t about rejecting new releases. It’s about the fact that most readers never make it past the new arrivals shelf — and the rest of the library is worth the detour.

Why Only Fiction?

Because it brings me the most joy.

I do read nonfiction, but roulette-style nonfiction would likely land me in some very dry territory. As much as I enjoy learning, my primary reason for reading is enjoyment.

That may expand later. For now, we’re trusting the fiction shelves.

Want to Try It?

You don’t need a coordinate system. Roll dice. Pick a shelf at random. Close your eyes and grab something.

See what the stacks might have in store for you.