Book swap sessions have caught the fancy of many book lovers in Hyderabad

Coming across cherished, old books is rather common for most book lovers. But the fact is that most book lovers are faced with a mounting collection of books that just get pushed deeper and deeper into that book shelf. Of late, book lovers in the city are finding a new way to recycle and update their existing collections – through book swaps.

First organised as part of the Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF) last year, the book swap programme received lukewarm response. However, as the idea picked up HLF decided to conduct another book swap drive last Sunday at Lamakaan. Apart from this annual feature, Our Sacred Space too conducts weekly book exchange sessions.

How it began
Nivedita N., a poet and media professional, who spearheaded the weekly book exchange movement, says, “It really started off as a way to pass on books that I’ve read and enjoyed. I started it off as a book give away on my blog and had people from across the country sending me requests for books that I have and I would then send it to them. Nayantara Nandakumar of Our Sacred Space happened to see this and we then collaborated to do a weekly book exchange at the venue.”

It all began when Nivedita was sent a coveted collection of books by a lady she had met at Auroville. “Also my grandfather left behind a huge collection of books and these exchanges are a way for us to share our collection while ensuring that the treasured books go into the right hands,” explains Nivedita, an avid reader herself.

How they work
A book swap session typically requires participants to bring their collection of read books in a good condition to the exchange. They can deposit their box of books at the venue and take their pick from the variety brought in by others. “A book swap is a great idea. Not everyone can buy all the books that they want to read. This way a barter system works very well,” says Jatin Kuberkar, a writer and a regular at the book swap sessions.

Chances are a couple of hours spent at a book exchange might throw up some pleasant surprises as well. “I have come across some rare books that I’d been looking for, for quite some time. Like Joanne Harris’ Lollipop Shoes. I’d checked at quite a few book stores in the city and most only had her Chocolat. So coming across this at a book swap was a wonderful surprise,” says Preeti K., an IT professional.

Jatin agrees, saying, “I’d been looking in vain for Dadabhai Naoroji’s Poverty and Unbritish Rule in India for a long time as part of the research for my next book. Even online, I could only come across half a chapter. So imagine my delight when I found this book at a book swap session in the city. Similarly my mother had been looking for Anand Math, a Hindi book, but I stumbled upon it at the book exchange session.” Another advantage of book swap sessions is that they often introduce readers to new authors. “I’ve myself come across several books that I wouldn’t have otherwise stumbled upon. Book swaps can often throw up some rare gems and can enrich one’s reading repertoire,” explains Nivedita, adding, “People can bring in all kinds of books regardless of genres. We just don’t encourage them to bring outdated academic books.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Ranjani Rajendra / January 19th, 2015