q&a –

How many books should I bring?

No more than 3!

Do I have to bring books to attend/or take a book?

This is a swap event, so you are encouraged to bring at least one book. But you can attend whether or not you swap! However, please prioritize those bringing books to swap books first. We’re working on the honor system here, so please be mindful. Stay until the end of the event to snatch up all you want!

Is there a genre preference?

Just about anything is welcome! Self-development, manga, LGBTQ+ reads, children’s books, romance—from smutty to sweet lol—cookbooks, biographies, graphic novels, historical fiction, craft, animal books, sci-fi, art books, poetry—just about anything! Please see the “do not bring” above for a comprehensive list of what’s not allowed. Not sure if your genre is the right for the swap? Contact me directly at iam@hiaj.co or on Instagram @hiaj.

What if my books have a few dog ears, notes, or highlights?

Some people may like a book a bit lived-in. So bring it on! But if the notations will disrupt a reading experience, please don’t bring them.

What’s the vibe socially?

We’ll have board games, chill background music, and warm drinks! There’s no pressure to be super social. Read to yourself, play a game, swap-n-go, come and chat with bookish people, rifle through some ephemera, or take some swag home. Honor the ways you best care for yourself.

Are children welcome?

Oh, very yes!! We all need books now more than ever!

What happens to the books when the event is over?

After the event, the remaining books will be redistributed to Free Little Libraries around Winston-Salem. I’ll also take some to Central Library and save some for Bookmark’s Secondhand Story Sale (whose profits go right back into the reading community and programming), other literacy non-profits, and reading programs.

Your books will not go to resellers. Goodwill (and related mass donation banks) are the last possible resort. We do not want the books you care about to become landfill trash. I love books and want them to go to great homes. If you have a program you’d like us to donate to, contact me at iam@hiaj.co or on Instagram @hiaj!!