Book swap

General

Recently I set up a book/dvd/cd swap outside my apartment. The idea is that people often have books etc. that they no longer want but don’t want to just throw out. This is a place where they can deposit what they don’t want, and take something else they would prefer to read/watch/listen to.

It currently has a stock in English, Hebrew and German (and one Flemish book.) Other languages are also accepted.

I provide the location based on people contacting me personally which is a way of protecting my neighbors until I find a community organization willing to host the book swap. I ask that visitors keep the noise level down, but they can come whenever they want. I also request that they make an effort to put books nicely so people don’t end up tripping on books that have fallen down and so forth.

I have been asked whether the book swap accepts other things. The answer is no. There are lots of Gemilut Chasadim Organizations that take clothes, furniture and other stuff and so the book swap doesn’t need to handle that. There isn’t, however, a place to swap books for free on an ongoing basis. People have also asked whether I could find a place where they can donate X,Y, or Z? Again, this is not the intention of the book swap and there are many organizations that already fulfill that role.

Ideally I would like this to be hosted by a local community organization (any suggestions?) Something easily accessible. In Vienna there are actually two book swap locations which were conceived as an art installation by a local artist and which are always accessible to the public. That would be cool to do here.

Currently there are probably 100 books in Hebrew, German and English for adults and kids as well as one or two dvds and a few magazines. It generally has a range of mysteries, thrillers, non-fiction, history and Jewish education books. Other media range but I think currently there may be one or two children’s DVDs. You never can tell what will be there at any given time.

People have come to swap from around the city and even outside the city when they happened to be around. You can contact me via the website if you are interested in learning more about the book swap or if you are a community center that would like to host the book swap.

And I shouldn’t have to say it, but since it has come up, please be courteous.

Thanks!

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43 Responses

  2. admin

    Hi Chaya Esther,
    Please check your email for the address. Please note that it is always open since its in the hallway, just we ask that people respect the neighbors, who are able to hear everything that goes on in the hallway.
    Thanks!

  5. arvind m

    Hi I have quite a few books in English that I would rather give away than to sell to a second hand store. Swap sounds like an excellent idea. where are you located ?

  19. judy

    I have a number of good English books to contribute..please send address. Thanks and kol hakavod for your initiative. Moadim l’simcha

  23. Ruth Vlessing

    I would like to bring some books and see what you have, please send me the address… I understand that it is located in the hallway so that there are no set hours… I assume coming in the early evening would be OK.

    Ruth

  27. Linda

    Thanks for your kindness in organizing the book swap! Can you please e mail me the address? Thanks again and Shabbat Shalom. LD

  33. Chanie Kreisel

    bs’d

    You are so kind to maintain this Book/CD swap!
    Please tell me the exact address, community, etc.

    Thank you.
    Chanie

  43. reizl fink

    u have a great idea and your generosity is appreciated.

    u r telling people to look at their email for your address,

    however I dont have an email with your address.

    thanks in advance.

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