At their new Tyne Road location, the Oakham Book Swap team are looking forward to their first Big Book Swap of 2023.

Initially founded and maintained by Lisa Batty, the Oakham Book Swap has been running for nearly three 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 flourished and, despite relocating from outside Lisa's home to Tyne Road, is as popular as ever.

The Book Swap can now be found on the junction of Tyne Road and Avon Close, with books out each day that the weather allows.

Lisa added: "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 many local readers and families. 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."

The first Big Book Swap of 2023 is set to take place on Sunday 8 January from 10.30am until 2.30pm at the new Tyne Road/Avon Close location.

Image courtesy of Oakham Book Swap.

Although this is a free event, donations will be accepted in support of The Brain Tumour Charity.

Oakham Book Swap pick a new charity to support each month, and have supported local charities such as Rutland Foodbank, and national groups such as Pancreatic Cancer UK - something particularly close to local resident Micheal Payne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2022 and says that groups like this are "essential."

Mr Payne added: "The team at Empingham Medical Centre and Dr Alison Guthrie saved my life. Dr Guthrie admitted me to hospital as an emergency patient. That decision saved my life. Afterwards, when I was out of hospital, she contacted me to check in and arrange a face-to-face appointment. She is a doctor who really cares. Groups who support local charities such as this are all a part of the big system ensuring that people like me can get the care that they need."

Head to the corner of Tyne Road and Avon Close, Oakham, to enjoy this free community event.

Find out more about the Oakham Book Swap team on their Facebook page.