How to Organize a Book Swap

In celebration of the upcoming World Book Day on April 23, 2015, we’ve compiled some ideas and resources for educators, parents and young readers. Below is a suggested activity. Find other ideas here.

Organize a Book Swap

Choose the day for your book swap. Then determine the book drive drop off period, the drop off point (a large bin), the sorting period and the volunteer needs.

Communicate dates and expectations to students, staff and the surrounding community. Involve your community association if you wish.

Invite participants (students, teachers, staff, and parents) to bring one or two books from home that they have really enjoyed but cannot bear to part with. Encourage participants to bring books they believe someone else would enjoy rather than unwanted items.

Optional: ask participants to record a fun home-made card about why they cherish the books they’ve chosen for the swap. Insert the cards in the book. You may consider copying or scanning the cards as a keepsake before parting with the book.

Ask participants to bring their books to school in advance of the swap.

Invite volunteers to sift through the books and organize them by relevant category or reading level. Then display the titles on a table or series of book shelves in a central location such as a library or main hall.

Invite participating students to peruse the selection of titles available, either as a class or by grade level; or open the book swap to the public if you wish.

Optional: Charge a loonie or toonie in exchange for the right to choose a book.

Leftover books can be donated to a charitable organization that redistributes or reuses books. Wordfest can assist in connecting you with this organizations if you wish.

Happy Reading!

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