Corcoran Austbarr
Saturday, Nov. 12 Residence Life hosted a book swap in McCaffrey lounge, serving pizza and striking up conversations surrounding what Mount students have been reading. This was an intimate gathering where students were able to converse one-on-one with their peers about the books they were picking up and dropping off.
Among the books shared at the book swap, one could find a range of genres. From history, to manga, to drama or poetry, students were bound to find something that piqued their interest.
One student who left a fantasy novel said, “I want people to read more fantasy. It’s a genre people write off as silly or childish, but they only say that because they don’t give it a chance.” This book swap offered students the opportunity to promote their favorite literature and spread the love of the genres they hold dear.
Many students were dropping off books they’ve read over and over, feeling that they had loved it well, and wanted to give someone else the same joy that their book brought them. It was obvious how well-loved many of these books had been, but ripping corners and words in margins are signs of a book that did its job.
Another student, picking up a book from the swap, found a gift for a friend, planning to add it to the friend’s Christmas gift: “I wasn’t sure I’d find anything good, but I saw this book and thought of her, so I’m glad I came.” The student later said that they may even read the book before giving it to their friend, despite not being an avid reader themself. The book swap, for this student, did more than they expected.
Students hope for an even bigger book swap in the future, truly integrating as many different genres and styles of book as possible to excite those who already read, and those who may only read for their classes.
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