Organise a small book swap

Start with people you know and an agreed meeting space. Bring one or two books in good condition; new purchases are unnecessary.

Try it step by step

1. Agree on suitable reading ages and complete, clean copies.
2. Introduce each book briefly and decide whether it is a swap or a loan.
3. For loans, record the title and return date without publicly sharing contact details.

Prepare for the activity

Agree on the group size, display space and handling of unclaimed books. Separate fiction, reference and children's titles. Add a short note about each book's subject, difficulty and condition. Check that copies belong to their contributors and contain no private notes.

Examples and adaptations

Allow everyone to browse before choosing. If two people want the same title, agree on a reading order or a later loan. Those bringing fewer books should still participate fully. Keep discussion centred on reading rather than price or quantity.

Continue and review progress

Send loan reminders privately. Owners should take unclaimed copies home unless a recipient has agreed to accept them. Before meeting again, ask which books were read and whether people want different subjects. Use those answers to shape the next exchange.

After the activity

Allow time for everyone to choose. A later meeting can focus on what people enjoyed reading.