| Used book exchanges are a great way to share | | | | creative if there is no funding for the hosting of book |
| information within the local community. Planning the | | | | exchange events. |
| details of the book exchange in writing is important. | | | | Inventory |
| Simply winging it may create unnecessary problems | | | | How will excess books be stored? The book |
| and expenses. Giving the book exchange some | | | | exchange is based on the idea that one or more |
| structure will help define the book club goals. Here | | | | books can traded for another book. This idea will not |
| are some tips on how to start a used book | | | | stop people from bringing multiple books. Established |
| exchange. | | | | businesses may donate hundreds of books |
| Written Plan | | | | unexpectedly to the book exchange. |
| Write a statement or purpose that discloses the | | | | Book Storage |
| goals and purpose of the book exchange. Decide | | | | Decide in advance exactly how extra books will be |
| who the book exchange is for. Is the book exchange | | | | cared for. Ensure that the storage conditions are |
| public or private? Established organizations can create | | | | conducive to not destroying the books. Leaving the |
| a book club that will allow members and their families | | | | books in an opened bag or unsealed bin may cause |
| to participate. Examples or established organizations | | | | damage if anything is spilled accidentally or there is |
| are schools, clubs, religious organizations, and being a | | | | too much moisture in the air. |
| member of a specific home owners association. | | | | Annual Sale |
| If the exchange is open to everyone? Think about | | | | When there are too many books for any one |
| which members of the community will be most likely | | | | member to comfortably store, will there be a book |
| to respond to this invitation. Start with flyers in book | | | | sale? This open to the public sale can help attract |
| stores, coffee shops, college dorms, libraries, and in | | | | new members and provide profits. These profits can |
| local businesses. Will the exchange be completely in | | | | be used for a special event or to add multiple copies |
| person, online, or both? | | | | of a certain book for a book club or further |
| Genre | | | | discussion. The money raised can help offset costs |
| The creator of the exchange is in charge. It is up to | | | | for book exchange events. Decide in advance if the |
| the creator to decide if all books are accepted, or if | | | | book exchange is for profit or non profit. Profits |
| it caters to a specific type. This may be sci-fi, | | | | made over a certain amount may need to be |
| romance, historical romance, mystery, thriller, | | | | deposited into an account in the Book Exchange |
| nonfiction, self help, religious, hobby, or how to | | | | name. Contact an accountant or lawyer for help |
| books. | | | | setting up a legal structure. |
| Location | | | | Online Presence |
| Know exactly what the costs are to run the used | | | | Create an online presence by setting up a blog and |
| book exchange. There may be numerous local | | | | social networking account. The blog lets the public |
| businesses that will agree to store the books and | | | | know when the exchange is held, and how donations |
| host meetings for free. Some locations may be able | | | | are accepted. Use twitter to update public of new |
| to accommodate a specific number of guests and | | | | events, blog posts, and book requests. Log onto the |
| provide refreshments for a flat rate per event. | | | | social networking websites and put out a few |
| Established organizations may already have access to | | | | different friend requests each day with people that |
| one or more areas to host members of the | | | | have similar interest. These are the interests that are |
| exchange. There are many buffet restaurants that | | | | in alignment with the written purpose of the |
| have private rooms available to groups. The | | | | exchange. Create an email address to receive all |
| management may give a group discount if the event | | | | incoming inquires. Purchase a domain name so the |
| is held on a certain day of the week when business | | | | blog and email address appears professional. There is |
| is usually slow. | | | | software available to allow registered users to |
| Low Budget | | | | exchange books over the internet. |
| If there is limited funds and no venues are willing to | | | | Start a club on Face Book or other social networking |
| host for free try other options. Consider reserving a | | | | platforms. When local people look for a book |
| room in a local community center, neighborhood | | | | exchange they can easily find out information. Don't |
| coffee house, or public library. Go to the Chamber of | | | | be afraid to reach out to group members online. Ask |
| Commerce and ask for a list of venues that have | | | | critical thinking questions related to a specific book or |
| very inexpensive rental rates. | | | | author. The comments and replies will bring more |
| Visit more than one location to find the best location | | | | attention to the group. Be professional and treat all |
| to hold the exchange. The book exchange may be at | | | | members and comments respectfully. Use these tips |
| a different public place each month. It could be held | | | | to help start a thriving used exchange. |
| at a different member's home each month. Become | | | | |