How To Host an Awesome Book Exchange For Kids
Reading time: 4 mins, 33 secs
A book exchange is a fun way to get kids not only to talk about the books they have read but find out from friends some of their favorite books to read as well.
Exchanges encourage a connection with other readers and friends. Trading already-read books is an awesome sharing opportunity and keeps books in circulation instead of landfills. There is so much fun to be had with a book exchange that readers will likely begin reading before the books get home. Here’s how to organize and throw a book exchange that everyone will love!
Set the Scene
Preparing to host a book exchange can be as fun as the event itself. Before sending out the invitations make sure to set the expectations for all the readers to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of how the exchange will work.
What kind of book is to be brought to the exchange?
Is there a theme
Types of books
Predefine how books will be exchanged
Determine the number of participants
Themes are great for centering a book exchange around. Book exchanges are very popular around holidays, especially because the theme is already assumed within the event. However, you don’t need to wait for a holiday — there are endless book themes that you can center the exchange around like Fairytales, Science Fiction, Mysteries, Food, and so many more! The best theme to engage your reader is their favorite topic. It is likely their friends have similar interests as well. Themes also offer the opportunity to tie in activities and snacks.
Inviting Exchanges
When deciding how many participants, it is best to keep it between 6-12 to keep things moving while offering a nice assortment of books.
In addition to the theme, date, time, and location be sure to include the following details in your invitation to ensure all guests are on
the same page:
Theme and how it applies to book selection
Type of book
Hard Cover vs. Soft Cover
New vs. Used
Price limit if the books are new
Sharing Books
The emphasis should be on sharing a book. While attendees aren’t required to read the book ahead of time, it certainly helps them more easily talk about the story and share details with exchange attendees.
Once all the exchange participants arrive, have them sit around the room in a circle for easy sharing and conversation. Ask them to each take a turn to tell everyone a little bit about the book they brought to share. If a child is unsure of how to talk about their book, give them some prompts to think about it, especially if they have not read the book.
Here are a few easy questions to help them get started:
What was your favorite part of the book? Why?
Who was your favorite character? Why?
What was the most interesting thing you learned from the book?
After each child shares their book, give the other an opportunity to ask questions. As each book is shared, they are set aside to await the exchange.
Exchanging Books
There are several ways to exchange books so that everyone has a fair opportunity to get any book. Here are a few ideas:
Roll of the Dice – Number the books with a sticky note. Readers roll the dice and get the book that matches the number they rolled.
It’s In The Cards – Each participant picks a random card out of a deck of cards. From Highest (Ace) to Lowest (2) each child picks a book.
Out of the Hat – Put all the titles on small, folded pieces of paper. Each child gets the name of the book that they pull out of the hat.
Extra Activities
The actual exchange will not last very long, so other activities related to the theme are a great way to keep the excitement going.
Start with an Icebreaker. If the group is a mix of different social circles an icebreaker could help to enhance the interactions. Icebreaker questions or games can create a comfort level that may be lacking.
Read a theme-based book as a group. This is great for younger groups that are exchanging shorter books with pictures.
Snacks are an easy tie-in. Pirate Theme = Pirate’s Booty
Crafts- Make bookmarks with paper, stickers, and other art supplies. Theme-specific bookmark kits are easy to find as well. Lou’s bookmark template can help get you started.
Related Games and Scavenger Hunts are a great way to tie in a theme. If your theme is nature, go take a hike!
Other Ideas
Book swaps are exchanges but instead of purchasing a book your reader takes one from their own library and trades it in for another book from a friend. This is a great way to keep books in circulation without spending.
Exchange a book and bring a snack. Everyone brings a snack that goes with their book topic. Bring one book and enough snacks for everyone. Make sure to specify if snacks are to be enjoyed at the exchange or individually wrapped and intended to go home at the end of the party.
Consider having a few additional books on hand in case someone forgets theirs or isn’t happy with their swap.
After the exchange is complete, open trading is completely fair. It is not recommended to exchange it in a White Elephant Style, where stealing is allowed. This can end the exchange on a sour note.
The overall goal is to create enthusiasm for reading, an appreciation of books, and most of all to have fun. So gather your friends and family together and let the adventure begin! 📚✨
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