Salem Goes Hands Free For Community Book Event In April

SALEM, MA — While Salem is still unable to resume its popular "Book Swap Day" because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the city is asking interested residents to take part in a free curbside book giveaway on April 10 instead.

The idea is to share free books with neighbors curbside in front of their homes to promote re-use and recycling of books and give Salem resident a fun way to get outside and discover new books. The day is planned for April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We know how many people miss our Book Swaps, but we are so happy to offer a safe, physically distant version of this event for this year," Micaela Guglielmi, the City’s Waste Reduction Coordinator, said. "After the success of the first-ever Free Book Day in September, we are looking forward to doing it again in the spring."

It is recommended that books are not "swapped" — or left at other people's tables — but instead taken in a socially distanced way. Residents are not required to be at their tables during the event and anyone participating is asked to wear masks and maintain 6 feet distance from those not in their household.

A list of participating addresses can be found here, along with a downloadable flyer you can attach to your book table or box and information on where to donate unwanted books at the end of the day.

Contact Guilielimi to learn more at mguglielmi@salem.com or 978-619-5672.

A rain date is planned for April 11.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)