Bored with a postbox full of bills and junk mail?
Postcrossing spruces up mail retrieval while giving participants occasions to get creative with paper and make connections with snail mail lovers from different corners of the world (210 participating countries and territories, to be precise). Originally a side project he tinkered with as a student in Portugal, Paulo Magalhães’ ongoing goal with Postcrossing is “to connect people across the world through postcards, independently of their country, age, gender, race or beliefs” (Postcrossing History). In the last 20 years, Magalhães’ vision has taken shape. Diversity is rich among the 800,000 current members.
In six years of Postcrossing, I’ve sent cards to and received cards from all walks of life—hardcore soccer fans, a pilot in training from China, all types of artists, residents of remote islands thousands of miles from my porch, a DJ from Boston who specializes in foreign language performance, homeschooling families who use postcards to teach their children about the world, other Ohioans.
So how does it work?
After you create a Postcrossing account (it is free and secure!):
- WRITE: The first step is to request to send a postcard — Postcrossing will give you the address of a random member and a Postcard ID (e.g.: US-12345). Pick a postcard, write a friendly message, along with its Postcard ID and the address given. Don’t forget the stamps! You have the option to upload a picture of the card you are sending (note—I like to use Adobe Scan to capture images of the cards I send)
- POST: Now all you need to do is mail the postcard from your nearest postbox or post office.
When your postcard arrives, its recipient will register it using its Postcard ID. This will make you eligible to receive a postcard from another member — and where your postcard will come from is a surprise!
- YOU’VE GOT MAIL: One day, you’ll check your mailbox and a postcard from someone far away (or nearby) will be waiting for you!
- REGISTER: Now it’s your turn to register the postcard using the assigned Postcard ID. That’s it!
And you don’t need to wait to send more — you can have several postcards traveling at the same time.
^Steps and image provided by ‘About Postcrossing’
^ Postcrossers often opt for book-related cards when they read on my profile that I am a librarian. You can add as much or as little information as you want on your profile!
Some Postcrossers appreciate your handmade creations. Postcrossing is full of arts and crafts enthusiasts.
Some active Postcrossers enjoy “meet-ups”. These are events, often held at libraries, community centers, and other public spaces where Postcrossers can meet in-person! Postcrossers can prepare for World Postcard Day (October 1st) at the Downtown Willoughby Historic District Postcrossing Meet-Up on September 27th. Participants can mark each other’s meet-up cards, donate and/or rummage through the freebies table, and enjoy light snacks.
Registered participants will receive their first 15 meet-up cards free! Additional cards will be available for a small charge (TBD). Participants will pay in cash on the day of the meet-up if they want more than 15 cards.
A Meet-Up card is defined as:
A postcard specifically designed for and used at commnity-organized Postcrossing meet-up events. These cards often feature the Postcrossing logo, a custom design, and are passed around by attendees who sign them, creating a physical memento of the event. The cards can then be sent to friends, family, or other Postcrossers as a souvenir from the gathering (Capitol Beltway Postcard Club.
Example of a Meet-Up card from a Postcrossing event at the North Ridgeville Public Library (July 2025)
Example of a meet-up card that’s been marked by other Postcrossers. This card will likely be kept as a souvenir from the Meet-Up or it will be sent to a Postcrosser who collects Meet-up cards
The library will provide some smudge-free pens. However, participants are free to bring their own writing implements. Attendees can leave postcards, washi tape, envelopes, stickers, and assorted papers they no longer want at the ‘freebies’ table—and maybe grab something they do want.
Anyone interested in attending the Downtown Willoughby Historic District Postcrossing Meet-Up can register on the Postcrossing forum (accessible to active Postcrossers) or the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library events page. Alternatively, interested participants can contact their favorite branch to get registered.
References
About Postcrossing. (n.d.). Postcrossing. https://www.postcrossing.com/about
Capitol Beltway Postcard Club – Postcrossing. (2025). Capitol Beltway Postcard Club – Postcrossing. Google.com. https://sites.google.com/view/capitolbeltwaypostcardclub/postcrossing
Postcrossing History. (2015). Postcrossing. https://www.postcrossing.com/about/history
