Turning the Page

The UK and Ireland first marked World Book Day in 1997, and Thursday March 6th saw the 29th celebration. This year’s theme, "Read Your Way," offered encouragement to people seeking to experience literature in a manner of their own choosing. There was a particular emphasis on the empowerment of young readers, with children in full-time education gifted vouchers to spend on books and many schools encouraging pupils to dress as a character from a favourite book. This level of engagement with literature shouldn’t be restricted to just one day per year, though. In Swansea, community leaders are finding ways to spark young people’s interest that bring people together and are kind to their bank balances and to the environment.

Book exchange events offer a wide choice of new reading material free of charge, and open the door to conversations about reading and education that can deepen a young person’s love of the written word. And of course, swapping books instead of throwing them away extends their life and reduces the environmental impact of producing and distributing new copies. 

Adella Pritchard is the co-founder of Swansea environmental action group ecommunity, and she’s also the organiser of a community book swap taking place on Saturday May 10th. As Adella herself puts it; 

“I firmly believe that we can encourage young people’s love of literature while removing the financial risk for their families and cutting out the carbon footprint that usually comes with book production. And if we can, we really should.”  

The success of book exchange events depends heavily on the choice of location, and Adella has chosen Brynhyfryd Library, one of the city’s most popular and welcoming venues. Librarians Eric Horgan and Seren Aldron have hosted multiple book launches and readings, and on May 10th they will offer free tea and coffee as well as a range of children’s games and activities.

Brynhyfryd Library is at 417 Llangyfelach Rd, Brynhyfryd, Swansea SA5 9LH.The book swap event will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and will give young people the chance to turn a new page and enjoy a new story at zero cost. See you there.