Read it and swap it at the M&EA borough’s first book exchange

Oakfield Community Centre in Carrickfergus is the pilot venue for the initiative which launched on the recent World Book Day, is aimed at fostering the love of reading.

A book exchange provides an inexpensive way for people to exchange books, find out about new books and obtain a new book to read without having to part with any money.

This pilot is being supported by the Drop Inn Charities who are providing the books from their Carrickfergus shop located in Irish Quarter West. Drop Inn is a charity that began in Richhill, Northern Ireland and now works to bring aid to over 20 countries around the world, with the help of its 35-plus Charity Shops.

Mayor for Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “This initiative will provide a wide range of reading materials to the local community supporting people of all ages to read more and share their love of reading with others.

“The idea behind the initiative is to swap a pre-loved book for another.

“Happy reading.”

Speaking about the initiative, Cllr Lauren Gray added: “The Book Exchange will bring the community together to share books they enjoy and gives them the opportunity to take home a few books for free.

“It is hoped the scheme will create a positive atmosphere at one of our local community centres and encourage people to read for enjoyment, which in turn will create a healthier, happier community.”

The Book exchange may also encourage people, who may not read a lot, to pick up the habit by sharing recommendations and giving them new reading material.

The pilot project supports Mid and East Antrim Council’s Corporate objective of Learning for Life.

It aims to “encourage our people to realise their potential through awareness, training and lifelong learning” and also its Good Health and Wellbeing objective to “play our part in enabling people to live longer and healthier lives, reducing health inequalities and social isolation”

In addition, Mid and East Antrim’s Community Plan is working to tackle the Inequalities in Education so that “there are no barriers to stop anyone achieving their educational potential”. Ultimately, the initiative will contribute to the achievement of Council’s vision that “Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community where people work together to improve quality of life for all”

Even if you don’t have anything to donate, you still go along and choose a book or two.