How to Host a Book Exchange Party

Let's face it. New books are expensive. Buying used books is just like paying for a book that someone paid for. And at the library, you only have a book to read for a limited time, and heaven forbid you spill something on it and have to pay a ridiculous fine. There is something to be said for owning a book, especially when it doesn't cost you a fortune. That's why it is a great idea to host a book exchange party. A book exchange party allows friends to exchange books that they've already read and enjoyed, and pass them along to others who will enjoy reading them as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Send invitations out inviting friends to your book exchange party. Specify that in order to attend, each guest must bring at least three books to exchange with others. It would not be fair to let people attend and take books if they do not bring books to trade with others.

2. Ask each guest, or provide for each guest, a bag to hold books of their choosing. Holding books and reading through other books at the exchange can get messy. The bags will help to keep things organized.

3. On the day of the party, set up large tables in an open space. Assign each person at the book exchange party a place on the tables to put their previously read books. You can either label the areas so people can look for books from readers with similar taste in books, or keep it anonymous so people look around more.

4. Once everyone arrives, start the book exchange. Everyone should start looking at the books at the same time so each person has an equal opportunity to choose books that they like. Encourage people to put books in their bags if they want them, but put them back if they change their minds.

5. Discuss with the group what to do with the remaining books. They can be given back to their original owners, or possibly donated to a charity that accepts books. Or, they can be sold to a used book exchange by the party host, who can then purchase inexpensive books for the next exchange.

6. Have some fun! A book exchange is great, but a book exchange party requires some fun, food and socialization. Laugh, talk, snack and enjoy the day!

[godfather25]

on 7/18/2009 Excellent tips! If I knew how to read, I'd do this.

[rewrite810]

on 7/16/2009 Fun and economical idea...great way to declutter the bookshelf, too!. Thanks!

[edieness]

on 7/15/2009 Good tips on How to Host a Book Exchange Party.