Book lovers are being invited to swap their favourite reads as the first-ever London Literature Festival Book Swap opens at the Southbank Centre.
The free initiative opened at the Royal Festival Hall today and will run until 1 November, inviting readers to swap books, share recommendations, discover new authors and support a south London library trust.
“The book swap is a lovely addition to the start of the literature festival,” Jane, who works for the London Literature Festival, said.
Jane, who has only recently joined the centre, said the initiative appeared to be proving popular as the festival kicks off this week.
“I think it’s a really good idea for people to share their love of literature. We opened this morning and already have had almost 50 people come in and swap books,” she said.
Visitors can bring a book and take another home, with fiction, poetry, non-fiction, memoir and children’s books all welcome.
Participants are encouraged to leave a short written recommendation inside their donated book, giving its next reader a personal introduction to the story.
There is no requirement to return the book, but organisers hope readers will continue the exchange by passing it on once they have finished.
The shelves will also feature contributions from artists involved in the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary programme.
Any books left at the end of the initiative will be donated to Upper Norwood Library Trust in Lambeth, extending the project’s reach into the local community.
The book swap forms part of the 19th edition of the London Literature Festival, the capital’s longest-running celebration of literature and spoken word.
This year’s festival is curated by Grammy and Brit Award-winning singer Dua Lipa, founder of the Service95 Book Club, and coincides with the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year and the UK’s National Year of Reading.
The book swap is free and open to everyone, offering visitors a chance to share a favourite story, discover a new read and help keep books circulating throughout the community.
Featured image credit: Hazel Christian
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