Books have been flying off the shelves since Christian book ship MV Logos II, currently docked on Front Street, sailed into the Island last week on its second visit here.

Logos II is one of three ships operated by OM International and carries a crew of 60 volunteers, representing more than 20 nationalities, living and working on board.

The ship operates as a nonprofit Christian charity and sails internationally. It will be in Bermuda until March 2, when it will depart for the Bahamas.

The ship carries an extensive book shop, carrying more than 5,000 titles, with stock of more than one million.

Titles include selections of cookery, hobbies, children's titles, science, sports, dictionaries, Christian living and Bibles.

When The Royal Gazette boarded the ship on Thursday, many locals could be found on board taking advantage of the huge selection at discounted prices. Customer Shawnette Simons told this paper she was shopping for children's books.

"I was looking for some books for two of my family members who are children," she said.

"I work as a speech pathologist and some of the books I've purchased here will be good for the children I work with.

"There's a lot of selection here, I found books I couldn't find locally."

Logos II captain Arni Jensen, from the Faroe Islands, said the vessel was spreading its message of help, hope and knowledge.

And he revealed the next time Logos II comes to Bermuda it will be rebuilt into a more modern ship.

In more than 38 years of international service, Logos II and her sister ships, Logos and Doulos, have visited more than 145 countries, called in some 1,100 port cities, provided more than 178 million books and warmly welcomed 36 million visitors on board.

The Logos II last visited Bermuda two years ago over Christmas.

That visit sparked unhappiness from local book stores, who felt the ship provided unfair competition at the busiest shopping time of the year.

The ship's hours of operation are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.