How To Host A Book Exchange Party

Book exchange parties are a great way to engage with other readers! Not only do they encourage lots of fun book talk, but they also allow everyone to leave with a new book. Below you'll find a guide to planning and hosting a book exchange party.

Pre-Party Prep:

Theme & Genre(s)

Choosing a theme and genre for your party is essential and should be your first priority when planning a book exchange event. Not only does this set the mood of your event, but it affects your guest list, decor, and so on.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on your theme & genre(s):

• Your recent reads

• Books you’d like to swap

• The time of year

• Who you'd like to invite

• Upcoming holidays

The Guest List & Invites

Narrow down your guest list and start inviting guests.

Curate your guest list based on the genre/theme and keep in mind your hosting location. For the invitations, make sure to include the genre(s) chosen, so people know what type of book to bring. Of course, also include other necessary details like date/time, location, whether there will be food, and if costumes are encouraged!

Setting the Vibe

Decor, snacks, sips, & more!

Run with your theme! Choose tablecloths, serving wear, snacks, drinks, and more, based on your theme. Adding bookish decor also works with any theme. You can stack books to display snacks, candles, and more. If you’re feeling extra, you can even dress for the theme (I definitely recommend this!) 

For example: We’ll be hosting a BOOk Exchange Party at The FM this month. I plan on having light snacks and including some spooky/fall elements, like ghost cookies and apple cider. I also plan on creating a moody vibe, with lighting, music, and other decorations. (The event will be linked at the end of the blog, if you'd like to learn more.)

Hosting The Actual Book Exchange:

Book “Pitches”

For the exchange, I recommend allowing all of your guests time to “pitch” their books. This can include: showing the book, reading the title, reading the description, and/or giving their own reason for why they chose to swap that book.

Determining Turns

After everyone has had the chance to share their book with the group, have everyone place their books on a table (or other designated book zone). Then, give everyone the chance to draw a number to determine the order of book selections. Make sure to have numbered slips ready for this step!

Book Selections

Starting with number one, allow your guests to select the book they’d like to take home with them. Once all the books have been selected, everyone should have a new book to take home.

PRO TIP: As the host you may want to bring more than one book, to add more options for your guests.

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Learn more about our upcoming BOOk Exchange Party on Facebook here.