Book Swap

[Elaine]

Our literacy committee with the library is hosting a book swap near the holidays. Looking for suggestions, tips, pitfalls people may have encountered. 

[sandy krieg]

I do an annual book swap with my middle school boys in the late spring. I've found running it through the English teachers seems to work the best. More 6th graders participate than eighth graders.
They are allowed to bring in a maximum of five books to trade. I place cartons in their English classrooms and give the teachers color coded coupons by grade level. Last year didn't work as well as years past, because we had a new 7th and 8th grade English teacher who changed the summer reading choice. Other years the most popular books for those moving up were the summer reading choices and being able to get the summer reading makes them want to participate. I seed the selection with titles that have been donated or that I pick up at public library book sales or resale shops. I especially look for titles for my eighth graders.
Hope this helps.

[cara delia]

I know it is a bit late, but I hosted a "book swap" of sorts this year.  We used the the theme "Polar Express, Donation Station" the kids brought in as many books (gently used) as they could donate.  For every 3 they brought in they recieved a free book, if they brought in 10 they got a special ticket to board the train.  Then we had a special showing of the Polar Express, I designed a giant train and they all wathced the movie with hot chocolate and cookies.  It was HUGE!  We had to do 2 showing, we had over 400 children attend the train ride.  We had over 3,000 books donated, and then I sold the rest for a dollar apiece. So we raised over 300.00 in cash.  I can't wait until next year.  The books that didn't sell I think I will place on a special table during my Scholastic fair for a dollar, for those children who can't afford a book.  Hope this helps.  You could still do a spring themed idea.