How to Start a Book Swap in Denver

Denver, Colorado—a city nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains—is home to a vibrant community of readers, writers, and lifelong learners. With a thriving local library system, independent bookstores, and a strong culture of sustainability and connection, Denver is an ideal place to launch a book swap. A book swap is more than just an exchange of used books; it’s a grassroots movement that fosters community, reduces waste, and promotes literacy without cost barriers. Starting a book swap in Denver isn’t just about organizing a table at a park—it’s about cultivating a culture of shared knowledge, environmental responsibility, and social connection.

Whether you’re a teacher, a librarian, a parent, or simply someone who loves to read and wants to give back, launching a book swap can be one of the most rewarding community initiatives you undertake. This guide will walk you through every step—from initial planning to long-term sustainability—tailored specifically to Denver’s unique neighborhoods, climate, and civic culture. You’ll learn how to engage local partners, choose the right venues, promote your event effectively, and keep your swap thriving year after year.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Vision and Goals

Before you start collecting books or posting flyers, ask yourself: Why are you starting this book swap? Is it to reduce landfill waste? To make reading accessible to low-income families? To build neighborhood connections? To celebrate local authors? Your vision will shape every decision you make.

For Denver residents, consider aligning your goals with the city’s broader values. Denver’s Climate Action Plan emphasizes waste reduction and community resilience. The Denver Public Library’s “Read to Succeed” initiative promotes literacy for all ages. By framing your book swap as a contribution to these efforts, you’ll gain credibility and attract support.

Set clear, measurable goals:

• Exchange 200 books in the first three months
• Host monthly swaps at three different neighborhood locations
• Partner with two local schools or libraries within six months

Write your mission statement. Example: “The Denver Book Swap Network connects neighbors through the free exchange of used books, promoting literacy, sustainability, and community joy.”

Step 2: Choose Your Location and Format

Denver’s diverse neighborhoods offer a variety of venues for book swaps. Consider the following options:

Outdoor Swaps (Spring–Fall): Ideal for warm months. Popular locations include:

• City Park (near the Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
• Washington Park (near the community center)
• Cherry Creek North (during weekend farmers markets)
• High Line Canal Trail (at designated access points)

For outdoor swaps, you’ll need weather contingency plans. Bring tents, tarps, and portable tables. Check Denver’s park permit requirements—many parks allow informal gatherings without permits, but if you expect more than 50 people, you may need to apply through Denver Parks and Recreation.

Indoor Swaps (Year-Round): Best for winter months or rain-prone days. Partner with:

• Local libraries (Denver Public Library branches often welcome community programs)
• Independent bookstores (Tattered Cover, BookBar, or The Bookworm)
• Community centers (like the Baker Neighborhood Center or the Westwood Community Center)
• Coffee shops (many are open to hosting quiet, low-impact events)

Consider formats:

• Drop-off & Take-away: Books are left in bins; people take what they want, no exchange required. Great for beginners.
• One-for-One Swap: For every book you bring, you take one. Encourages balance and fairness.
• Themed Swaps: “Children’s Picture Books Only,” “Colorado Authors Only,” or “Mystery & Thriller Exchange.” Adds fun and focus.

Step 3: Secure Permissions and Partnerships

Don’t assume you can set up a table anywhere. Even informal events benefit from official backing.

Denver Public Library: Reach out to your local branch. Many DPL locations host “Book Nooks” or “Little Free Libraries.” Ask if you can co-host your swap or use their bulletin boards for promotion. Librarians often have access to community networks and may even help with volunteers.

Neighborhood Associations: Contact groups like the Baker Neighborhood Association, Park Hill Community Council, or the RiNo Art District. These organizations often fund small community projects and can help with publicity.

Local Businesses: Approach coffee shops, bakeries, or bookstores. Offer to feature their logo on your flyers in exchange for space, tables, or coffee for volunteers. Many small businesses love supporting local culture.

City Permits: If you plan to use public park space for more than a few hours or expect over 50 attendees, submit a request via the Denver Parks and Recreation Permit Portal. Most book swaps qualify as “informal gatherings” and require no fee.

Step 4: Collect and Sort Books

Book swaps thrive on volume and variety. Start collecting early—three to four weeks before your first event.

Donation Sources:

• Ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors to donate gently used books.
• Place collection bins at libraries, coffee shops, or community centers (always get permission first).
• Partner with local schools to collect books students have outgrown.
• Host a “Book Drive” weekend: Set up a table at a farmers market or community event with a sign: “Donate a Book, Take a Book.”

Sorting Guidelines: Not every book belongs in a swap. Be selective:

• Accept: Clean, readable books with no mold, water damage, or missing pages.
• Reject: Textbooks (unless for a themed swap), magazines, encyclopedias, or books with offensive content.
• Organize by category: Children’s, Fiction, Nonfiction, Colorado History, Mystery, Poetry, Graphic Novels, etc.
• Label books with a small sticker: “Denver Book Swap – Free to Take!”

Use sturdy boxes or crates for transport. Label them clearly: “Fiction – Adult,” “Kids – Ages 3–8,” etc.

Step 5: Set Up Your Swap Space

On event day, presentation matters. A cluttered, disorganized swap discourages participation.

Essential Supplies:

• Tables (rent or borrow from a community center)
• Chairs (for volunteers and readers)
• Signage: Large, bold signs saying “Free Books – Take One, Leave One” or “Swap Books Here!”
• Labels: Color-coded tags for genres
• Bins or baskets: For overflow books or “take one” piles
• Weather protection: Canopies, tarps, or umbrellas
• Trash and recycling bags: Keep the space clean
• Clipboards and pens: For sign-up sheets (optional)
• Hand sanitizer and wipes: Especially important for indoor events

Layout Tips:

• Place high-demand categories (children’s books, mysteries) near the entrance.
• Keep a “New Arrivals” table for recently donated books.
• Designate a “Take-Home” area for books that don’t get swapped—these can be donated to shelters or schools after the event.
• Include a small “Book of the Month” display: Feature one book with a handwritten review.

Step 6: Promote Your Swap

Even the best book swap won’t succeed without visibility. Use a mix of digital and physical promotion.

Online Channels:

• Create a free Facebook Event and share it in local groups: “Denver Book Lovers,” “Denver Parents,” “Denver Sustainability,” “RiNo Community,” etc.
• Post on Nextdoor with photos of your book bins and a friendly message.
• Use Instagram: Post before-and-after shots of your swap setup. Use hashtags:

  DenverBookSwap #BookSwapDenver #ReadDenver #BookLoversDenver

• Submit your event to Denver’s official calendar: denvergov.org/events
• Reach out to local blogs: Denver Westword, 5280 Magazine, or The Denverite often cover community events.

Offline Promotion:

• Print flyers and post them at libraries, coffee shops, laundromats, and community boards.
• Ask local schools to send home flyers with students.
• Visit neighborhood association meetings and speak briefly about your project.
• Partner with local radio stations (KUVO, 90.3 FM) to announce your swap on community calendars.

Include these key details in all promotions:

• Date and time
• Exact location (with Google Maps link)
• What to bring (gently used books)
• What to expect (free books, friendly people, no cost)
• Weather policy (e.g., “Rain or shine!”)

Step 7: Run the Event

On the day of your swap, arrive early. Set up your tables, arrange books, and post signs. Have a few volunteers (friends, family, neighbors) help with greeting, organizing, and answering questions.

Be welcoming. Smile. Say hello. Invite people to take a book—even if they didn’t bring one. A book swap is about generosity, not strict rules.

Keep a clipboard to note:

• Number of books exchanged
• Number of visitors
• Most popular genres
• Feedback from participants

After the event, collect leftover books. Donate them to:

• Denver Rescue Mission
• Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Local elementary schools
• Prison literacy programs (e.g., Books to Prisoners Colorado)

Take photos. Thank volunteers. Post a recap on social media: “Thanks to 120 people, we swapped 312 books this weekend!”

Step 8: Plan for Sustainability

One swap is great. A recurring swap is transformative.

Decide on a schedule:

• Monthly: First Saturday of the month
• Seasonal: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Biweekly: Every other Saturday

Create a simple calendar and share it online. Use a free tool like Google Calendar and embed it on a simple website or Facebook page.

Build a core team of 3–5 volunteers who rotate responsibilities: setup, promotion, collection, cleanup.

Consider creating a “Book Swap Ambassador” role: A neighborhood resident who collects donations weekly and drops them off at your swap location.

Apply for small grants:

• Denver Foundation Community Grants
• Colorado Creative Industries Mini-Grants
• Local Rotary or Lions Club funds

Even $200 can help buy weatherproof bins, signage, or a small table.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Inclusivity

Book swaps should welcome everyone—regardless of income, language, or reading level. Offer bilingual signage if you’re in a diverse neighborhood like Globeville or Five Points. Include picture books, audiobook CDs, and large-print books. Make your space wheelchair accessible.

2. Keep It Simple

Don’t overcomplicate. One table, one rule (“Take one, leave one”), and clear signs are enough. The goal is accessibility, not bureaucracy.

3. Embrace Imperfection

Some books will be damaged. Some days will be slow. That’s okay. The act of sharing matters more than perfection.

4. Rotate Locations

Try hosting swaps in different neighborhoods: North Denver, Southwest Denver, Southeast Denver. This builds citywide awareness and gives more residents access.

5. Celebrate Milestones

When you hit 1,000 books swapped, host a “Book Swap Birthday Party” with lemonade, bookmarks, and a group photo. People love to celebrate progress.

6. Educate, Don’t Just Exchange

Include a small “Why Book Swaps Matter” sign:

• “Every book swapped saves a book from the landfill.”
• “Reading is a right, not a privilege.”
• “Denver’s libraries are amazing—but books shouldn’t cost money to share.”

7. Document and Share

Take photos (with permission). Write short stories: “Meet Maria, who found her favorite childhood book at the swap and read it to her grandson.” Share these on social media. Human stories build connection.

8. Protect Against Theft or Vandalism

While rare, it happens. Don’t leave valuable items unattended. Avoid rare first editions or expensive collector’s books. Stick to mass-market paperbacks and widely available titles.

9. Build a Digital Presence

Create a simple website or Facebook page with:

• Event schedule
• Donation drop-off locations
• Photos and stories
• Contact info

Use free tools like Canva for graphics, Google Sites for a website, and Mailchimp for email updates (optional).

10. Partner with Literacy Organizations

Connect with:

• Denver Literacy (denverliteracy.org)
• Books for Kids Colorado (booksforkidsco.org)
• Colorado Bookworms

They may offer volunteer support, book donations, or even co-host events.

Tools and Resources

Free Tools for Promotion and Organization

• Canva: Design flyers, social media posts, and signs for free.
• Google Calendar: Schedule and share your swap dates publicly.
• Facebook Events: The most effective tool for reaching Denver residents.
• Nextdoor: Hyper-local outreach to your neighborhood.
• Google Forms: Collect feedback from participants (“What genre do you want more of?”).
• Mailchimp (Free Tier): Send monthly updates to subscribers.
• Google Sites: Build a simple, mobile-friendly website in under an hour.

Denver-Specific Resources

• Denver Public Library Book Nooks: denverlibrary.org/book-nooks – Learn how to start a Little Free Library or partner with DPL.
• Denver Parks and Recreation: denvergov.org/parks-permits – For outdoor event permissions.
• Denver Community Gardens: Many have community bulletin boards—ask to post flyers.
• Denver Arts & Venues: denvergov.org/arts – May fund cultural initiatives.
• Denver Public Schools Community Partnerships: Contact your local school’s parent association to donate books or co-host.

Recommended Supplies to Purchase

• Weatherproof plastic bins (20–30 gallon) – $15 each
• Reusable canvas tote bags (for book carriers) – $5 each
• Large waterproof signage (24” x 36”) – $20–$40
• Color-coded labels or stickers – $10
• Portable folding tables (2–3) – $50–$100 (check Facebook Marketplace for used ones)
• Book cart or dolly – $30–$60 (helps move heavy boxes)

Consider crowdfunding on GoFundMe or Kickstarter with a simple pitch: “Help us swap 1,000 books in Denver this year.”

Real Examples

Example 1: The Baker Book Swap

Launched in 2021 by a retired teacher in the Baker neighborhood, this monthly swap takes place at the Baker Community Center on the first Saturday of each month. The organizer, Linda M., started with a single table and a box of 50 books. Within six months, she partnered with the local library, collected donations from 12 schools, and now averages 80–100 books swapped per event.

Her secret? Themed swaps: “Winter Reads,” “Books for Teens,” “Denver History.” She also created a “Book of the Month” display with handwritten reviews from participants. She now has a volunteer team of 8 and a Facebook group with 450 members.

Example 2: The High Line Canal Book Trail

Three neighbors along the High Line Canal Trail set up three mini book swap boxes at trail access points: one near University Blvd, one near 16th Ave, and one near the Cherry Creek confluence. Each box is a repurposed wooden crate with a clear plastic lid and a sign: “Take a Book. Leave a Book.”

They restock weekly. No permits needed—these are considered “personal property” on private land adjacent to the trail. They’ve exchanged over 1,200 books in two years. Local hikers leave notes inside books: “This made my hike better. Thank you!”

Example 3: The RiNo Art District Book Exchange

Hosted by BookBar, a popular independent bookstore in RiNo, this quarterly event turns into a mini literary festival. Local poets read, artists create book-themed murals, and food trucks sell coffee. They donate 10% of book sales to Denver Literacy. The event draws 200+ people and has become a signature community moment.

Example 4: The Westwood Elementary Swap

A parent-teacher group started a weekly book swap at the school’s front entrance. Students bring books from home and trade during drop-off. Teachers record how many books are swapped each week. The program has reduced book-buying costs for families and increased reading time among students. Now, other elementary schools in the district are copying the model.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to host a book swap in Denver?

Generally, no. If you’re hosting a small, informal gathering on private property or in a public park with fewer than 50 people, no permit is required. For larger events or use of city-owned facilities (like a park pavilion), check with Denver Parks and Recreation. Most book swaps qualify as “casual community gatherings.”

Can I host a book swap in my front yard?

Absolutely! Many successful swaps begin in driveways or front lawns. Just ensure the space is safe and accessible. Post a sign: “Free Books Here – Take One, Leave One.” Be mindful of parking and foot traffic. Consider weather—have a backup plan for rain.

What kinds of books should I accept?

Accept gently used books in good condition: no mold, water damage, or missing pages. Avoid textbooks, encyclopedias, and magazines unless they’re part of a themed swap. Children’s books, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels are always popular.

What do I do with leftover books?

Donate them! Local organizations that accept book donations include Denver Rescue Mission, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Books to Prisoners Colorado, and Denver Public Library’s Book Nooks. Never throw books in the trash.

How do I get people to participate?

Promote consistently. Use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth. Make it easy: “Bring one, take one.” Offer a small incentive: “First 50 visitors get a free Denver Book Swap bookmark!”

Can I make money from a book swap?

No—book swaps are meant to be free. Charging for books defeats the purpose. However, you can accept voluntary donations to cover supplies (like bins or signs). Use a “suggested donation” jar labeled: “Help us keep the books flowing.”

How often should I host a book swap?

Start monthly. Once you build momentum, consider biweekly or seasonal swaps. Consistency matters more than frequency. Even one swap per quarter can make a difference.

Is there a way to make this a year-round project?

Yes! Use indoor locations in winter: libraries, coffee shops, community centers. Create “book drop boxes” at partner locations that remain open 24/7. Host a “Winter Book Swap” in December with holiday-themed books.

Can I involve kids in the swap?

Definitely! Create a “Kids’ Corner” with colorful bins and picture books. Let children decorate book labels. Host a “Storytime Swap” where a volunteer reads a book aloud before swapping begins.

What if no one shows up?

Don’t get discouraged. The first few events are often small. Keep showing up. Share your experience online: “Our first swap had 12 people—and we exchanged 47 books! Come next month!” Persistence builds community.

Conclusion

Starting a book swap in Denver isn’t just about books—it’s about building relationships, reducing waste, and reclaiming the joy of shared stories in a fast-paced world. In a city that values creativity, sustainability, and connection, a book swap is a quiet revolution: one book at a time.

You don’t need funding, a large team, or a perfect location. You just need a box of books, a friendly smile, and the willingness to show up. Whether you host your first swap in your driveway, at a local library, or under the trees of City Park, you’re already making a difference.

Denver’s readers are waiting. They’re the parent who can’t afford new books for their child. The student who needs a break from screens. The retiree who misses the smell of paper. The immigrant learning English. The hiker who wants something to read on the trail.

Be the person who says, “Here—this book is yours.”

Start small. Stay consistent. Celebrate every book exchanged. And remember: in a world where everything feels transactional, a book swap is a gift.

Now go swap a book.