A local group have been swapping books since the April 2020 lockdown, but it seems that the only way is up for this charming local initiative.

Founded and maintained by Lisa Batty, the Oakham Book Swap has been running for nearly two years, and is jumping from strength to strength, supported by upwards of 200 people.

The initiative began as a pop-up book shop based outside Lisa's home in Dean's Street, Oakham, a place where interested parties can go to swap and exchange books for free.

Lisa said: "I started the book swap in April 2020 during lockdown - I've always loved the idea of starting a local book swap, having been a Bookcrossing member for several years, but didn't really know how to do it. When we went into lockdown and charity shops and cafes closed I had nowhere to leave my books for others to enjoy, so I decided to leave a few in a box on my doorstep, hoping that some might be left too!"

Displaying the wonderful community spirit that Oakham can be proud of, the book swap has simply flourished over the past two years. Lisa now has two or three boxes outside her home most days.

"With the continued success (and so many books), we decided to keep it going. As well as being a joy to others, it brings joy to us as a family too. I have discovered so many new authors and books that I would never usually have picked up in a shop or library, and my son has also had lots of children's books that have been shared. Our own bookshelves are ever-changing now and all of us get excited when a cookery book appears!"

Lisa shared one of her recent recipe book makes on the book swap Facebook page, and it certainly looked delicious. Click the link to see the Chicken in Almond Sauce she made from a donated title by Meena Pathak.

As a charming personal addition, when Lisa has too many books, she packages them into surprise themed bundles or as gifts and sends them to friends or family in return for a donation to charity.

As a result of this, and from donations popped through Lisa's letterbox, the book swap have raised funds to support Rutland Foodbank and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Lisa added: "I never anticipated how popular it would become, especially when restrictions eased, but we have new books left every day now.

"We've had several comments and even notes and thank you cards left to say how much joy it has brought people, even being described as a lifeline during the lockdowns when people had no access to the library or shops."

Oakham Book Swap has mainly grown through word of mouth and has many regular swappers. Lisa sometimes leaves books on benches around town with the tag #oakhambookswap, which she encourages people to use on social media. If anyone finds these books, they can share images, descriptions or start bookish discussions using this hashtag on Instagram and Twitter.

Although it is a book swap, the main aim is to share unwanted books so they're not left unread on shelves or thrown away.

"We don't mind if people have nothing to share - if they see a book they'd like to read we hope they take it with them, with a promise to pass it on once they've read it."

In conclusion, Lisa said: "We've never counted books in and out but from our estimations we must have swapped a couple of thousand books between us all now. Sometimes our front room looks like a book shop! We've also donated over £55 to Rutland Foodbank and Pancreatic Cancer UK from the money dropped through our letterboxes and the 'Send a Box of Books' gifts we've sent and delivered."

For those interested in joining the scheme, Oakham Book Swap mainly use Facebook to share info and talk about books in general. This is also where Lisa updates opening hours, although if the weather is good, usually the boxes are out!

Oakham Book Swap are listed as a Bookcrossing zone on Bookcrossing.com. Lisa has also set up a group on Goodreads, and aims to get that aspect of this fantastic community project up and running in 2022.

To find Lisa's book swap, head to Dean's Street in the heart of Oakham, and follow the scent of books until you have sniffed out this local treasure. Happy reading!