Host a Book Swap

Have that feeling of too many books in your "to be read" pile? Bookshelves groaning under the weight of too much paper? It must be time for cleaning, but what do to with those books? Host a book swap! Here's some ideas to get you started.

• Pick a date and time to invite people to your abode or another place like a local coffee shop or reserve a meeting space, opens a new window at the library branch nearest you.
• Ask your guests to bring books they no longer want or have interest in reading. It's up to you if you want to limit how many books guests can bring or if you'd prefer they bring books that are in good/better condition.
• Decide if you want your book swap to have rules, like a Yankee Swap where books can be "stolen," or if people can simply browse and take home the books they find interesting. 
• Ask your guests to share a little something about themselves to break the ice. Sample questions could be as simple as:
  • Where's your favorite place to read?
  • What book made a lasting impression on you?
  • Have you ever reread a book, and why or why not?
  • What was the last book you read that you couldn't put down?
• Have each person share something about each of the books they brought. Guests who are unfamiliar with the books might find their interest piqued. Even better, they may find a kindred reading spirit.
• Left with a few lonesome books that didn't get any love? Donate them to Friends of Arapahoe Libraries. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more, check out one book lover's successful book swap, opens a new window.