Swap, share, and connect with like-minded book lovers

The book nook is overflowing, but you just can’t resist picking up a copy of that juicy new page-turner. A book swap or exchange might just be the answer you’re looking for! Here’s everything you need to know about this fun, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and healthy habit that will help you discover new reads and connect with fellow book lovers in your local area.

Calling all book lovers! Are you in need of a juicy new page-turner or something to broaden your horizons, but you don’t want to keep adding to your overflowing bookshelves or fork out for a potential dust-gathering dud? We’ve got just the solution – a book swap or exchange. The idea is simple: swap one of your books with someone else, and you’ll both reap the benefits of fresh new reading material at no cost. While some might see a good old-fashioned book as just that – old-fashioned – research shows otherwise: 87% of New Zealand adults are book lovers, and in 2024, half of Auckland’s top 10 most borrowed books were written by Kiwi authors. As a result of our thirst for the next great read, escape, or sleep-inducing book, libraries and independent bookstores continue to thrive, and subscription services for e-books and audiobooks have created new opportunities for getting our literary fix.

Here, we’ll help you on your quest to read more with everything you need to know about book swaps, book exchanges, and book clubs. We’ll also wrap up with a bit of shelf indulgence – our top tips for housing your book collection with style.

Set up your own book swap

Book swaps are a great way to discover new books, clear out your bookshelf during your yearly or spring clean, and share reading material within your community. It’s also a superbly eco-friendly activity, as you’ll be reducing the printing of new books and recycling preloved literature. Attending or hosting a book swap will also help you get connected with fellow book lovers in your neighbourhood, and if there’s not one already in your community, here’s how to set up your own:

 

• Get the foundations right – it’s important to establish guidelines upfront so that everyone walks away happy with their next great read in hand. This includes making sure that all books are in good condition, setting limits on the number of books each person can bring (two often works well), and establishing any parameters around genres.

 

• Consider your venue – the venue you choose sets the overall vibe of your book swap event. Ideally, it should be accessible to all, such as a community centre or local library, and make sure there’s plenty of space to display the books, allowing people to browse and mingle.

 

• Levelling up – beyond the genre of books, setting a theme for your swap meet can make your event much more than just another book swap. Theme ideas like “travel the world through books,” “history of sports,” “true crime” or even a mystery book lucky dip will get the conversation flowing and make the event a community favourite.

 

• Spread the word – promoting your event is key to its success. With so many book-related blogs and community pages on social media, opportunities to get the word out are literally at your fingertips. Get lit-loving friends to tell their friends, post flyers in your local library and community centre and don’t forget to create an event page on Facebook.

 

• Dealing with leftovers and the unloved – inevitably, people will see this as an opportunity to offload their piles of less-than-riveting, hoarded books, so consider having a charity donation box present at your event. Any leftover books can also join this pile.

 

Join in with community events

If hosting your own book swap event seems overwhelming, consider starting small or joining an existing event. It’ll allow you to learn the ins and outs of how these events run, or spark ideas for creating your own book exchange in your community. Here’s where you can go for some inspiration:

• Little Libraries – are popping up throughout New Zealand, they are small, street-front homes for books that are free for anyone to take and add to. They provide your local community with simple, free access to books so that you and your neighbours can share the joys of reading. Find your local street library here, or if there isn’t one near you, rally your neighbours and build your own.

 

• Book Exchange Initiatives – New Zealand has embraced a range of book-focused initiatives that blend community connection with sustainable reading habits. For instance, several second-hand bookshops now operate as welcoming coffee spots, like ‘The Book Exchange’ where you can exchange a book and get 50% off another in the same genre—plus enjoy a fresh brew while you browse. Wellington’s iconic Arty Bees Books also offers a unique exchange system, giving readers the option of double the cash value in store credit, which can be used immediately or saved for future book treasures. These initiatives make reading more accessible, affordable, and community-driven across Aotearoa.

Find a local book club

If you’re looking for something more social, often paired with wine and cheese, joining a book club could be the perfect fit, and the benefits might surprise you. You’ll often read (and enjoy) books you wouldn’t usually choose, and you’ll gain new perspectives and make new friends. They’re even a therapist-approved form of self-care and don’t require you to download yet another health app. Here’s where to find a book club near you:

 

Wellington City Bookclub is a welcoming community for anyone keen to connect over a shared love of books. Open to all genres and experience levels, the club meets on the first Thursday of each month for relaxed discussions over food and drinks. Members vote on the monthly book selection, favouring titles that are thought-provoking and unique. With a focus on fun, friendship, and open-minded conversation, the club encourages a $1 koha to help cover website costs—though it’s completely voluntary. New members are always welcome!

 

Hamilton – Chill & Chat: Books Galore is a relaxed, social book club held at Glenview Library on the first and third Thursday of each month. Whether you’re into thrillers, romance, or anything in between, it’s a great place to connect over your latest reads with a cuppa in hand. Bring a friend or meet new ones as you dive into lively book chats. Attendees can also sign up for the Shelf Help newsletter to receive a list of books discussed at each session and other local book clubs.

 

Online – Across NZ – Together We Read is a digital book club uniting readers across New Zealand through participating libraries and online. For two weeks, everyone can access the featured title with no waitlists or holds—just download the Libby app to borrow the free eBook directly to your phone or tablet. It’s an easy, accessible way to join a nationwide reading experience.

 

Dabble in some shelf indulgence

With so much book talk, you might be feeling inspired to create a new home for your favourite reads. And when it comes to bookshelves, these can be so much more than simple storage solutions – they can become a way to showcase your style and a feature in your home. Whether you prefer sleek, built-in book storage or a more traditional, rustic look, the beauty of book shelving is that you can style it to your heart’s content by displaying artwork, plants, collected ornaments, and so much more. And since shelving is pretty straightforward in its structure, you could even build your own.

 

Sharing books, sharing connections

Book swaps, clubs, and meets – whether online or offline – offer a fantastic way to connect with your neighbours and build a strong sense of community. Literature is renowned for its unique ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, and book-swapping events and clubs play a crucial role in cultivating that bond. If you’re looking for a new bookish community that better aligns with your lifestyle, reach out to your local

 

If your current home is missing a book nook or space for a stylish book feature, or if you’re looking for a new bookish community that better aligns with your lifestyle, reach out to your local First National Real Estate team. Our friendly property experts will help you find the perfect place to call home and start your next chapter!

 

Disclaimer

The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.