The Book Exchange
Can you share a book with your community?
Leave a book on this shelf so someone else can enjoy it - and feel free to take one home with you!
This is a simple way to share stories, discover new reads, and connect with others in your community.
How It Works
- Bring a book you’ve finished reading and leave it on the Book Exchange shelf.
- Choose a book from the shelf to take away and enjoy.
- It’s completely free - just swap and share!
Why It Matters
By reusing and sharing books, we reduce waste and give books a second life.
Every book exchanged means:
- Less paper waste and fewer books ending up in landfill.
- Lower carbon footprint compared to buying new books.
- A more sustainable community, where resources are shared instead of discarded.
Small actions like this help protect the environment and promote a culture of recycling and reuse.
Please Remember
- Only leave books in good condition (no damaged books or other items).
- Swaps can only happen on these dedicated shelves.
- For all other library books, please follow normal library rules.
- If you have any questions, visit the helpdesk.
- Library staff may remove books that are offensive or inappropriate.
Where You Can Find Book Exchange Shelves
Currently available at these locations (and we’re adding more soon!):
- Dagenham Library and Family Hub
- Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub
- Valence Library Community Hub
- Thames Community Hub
- Chadwell Heath and Whalebone Community Hub
- Marks Gate Community and Family Hub
- Discovery Centre, Eastbrookend Country Park