Read it and swap it at the borough’s first book exchange

A new book exchange initiative is being piloted in Oakfield Community Centre, aimed to foster the love of reading.

If successful it may be extended to other community centres across Mid and East Antrim.

A book exchange provides an inexpensive way for people to exchange books, find out about new books and obtain a new book to read without having to part with any money.

This pilot is being supported by Drop Inn Charities who are providing the books from their Carrickfergus shop located in Irish Quarter West.

Mayor for Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Maureen Morrow, said: “I am so pleased to have a book exchange initiative launching within our Borough on World Book Day.

"This initiative will provide a wide range of reading materials to the local community supporting people of all ages to read more and share their love of reading with others. The idea behind the initiative is to swap a pre-loved book for another. Happy reading.”

Speaking about the initiative, Cllr Lauren Gray added: “The Book Exchange will bring the community together to share books they enjoy and gives them the opportunity to take home a few books for free.

“It is hoped the scheme will create a positive atmosphere at one of our local community centres and encourage people to read for enjoyment, which in turn will create a healthier, happier community.”

The Book exchange may also encourage people, who may not read a lot, to pick up the habit by sharing recommendations and giving them new reading material.

The pilot project supports Mid and East Antrim Council’s Corporate objective of Learning for Life which aims to “encourage our people to realise their potential through awareness, training and lifelong learning” and also its Good Health and Wellbeing objective to “play our part in enabling people to live longer and healthier lives, reducing health inequalities and social isolation”

In addition, Mid and East Antrim’s Community Plan is working to tackle the Inequalities in Education so that “there are no barriers to stop anyone achieving their educational potential”.  Ultimately, the initiative will contribute to the achievement of Council’s vision that “Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community where people work together to improve quality of life for all”.

So, even if you don’t have anything to donate, please still come along and choose a book or two.