YMCA Community Book Swap Aims to Bring Community Together Over Reading

McCOOK Neb.– The YMCA of McCook is excited to announce a Community Book Swap event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The premise of the event is to find a new book to read and enjoy at no cost for event attendees. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to clean out their bookshelves, bring their books to the YMCA in preparation of the event from February 3-21 or on the day of the event, and then attend on Feb. 22 to shop for a new book or two. All ages birth through adult are encouraged to attend the event.

“As a lifelong reader and advocate for literacy, I am always looking to share my favorite books with others but also inspire a love of reading in youth.” expressed Saraya Currier, Youth Development Director, “I have seen ideas circulating on social media for an adult book fair and began to think about how I could make it accessible for our community and thus came the idea of a book swap. The goal of the event is to not only share books at no cost, but also to build community based on a shared interest of reading.”

An essential part of the Book Swap event will be staying and connecting with community members to either read new books in the popular “silent book club” idea, or chatting about favorite genres, authors, or anything else. “We’ll have snacks and chairs available for parents to read stories out loud to their children, adults to read their new book, or just chat with others while snacking,” stated Saraya, “The McCook Public Library and McCook Community College Learning Commons will also be tabling to share resources and programs that are available to the community and have book related crafts.