Curl up with community and find your next great read

Story and photos by Cara Myers

As we lean into cozier hobbies during the ‘ber months, reading is at the top of many Coloradans’ lists. But the burdens of expensive new books or long library waitlists may keep some from expanding their reading logs. Enter Denver Book Swap Society.

Founded in the summer of 2022 by Nicole Wiebe, the Denver Book Swap Society aims to bolster the local reading community while also supporting spaces throughout the city. The concept is simple: buy a $5 ticket, bring at least one book to swap, select up to four new (to you) books and mingle with fellow book lovers.

“It’s just a fun passion project,” Wiebe said. “Getting to meet all different readers in Denver and talk to different venues has been super rewarding.”

One recent venue was HomeDog – a pup-friendly coworking space on South Broadway. With a large area to swap books, a coffee shop and a bar, both human and canine attendees seemed thrilled with the space. Second-time swapper Chloe Eagan said book swaps are a fun way to explore the city and get out a bit more.

Another major selling point is the social aspect. With an average attendance of 30-plus bookworms per event, there are plenty of folks to talk with about your ever-growing To Be Read (or TBR) list.

“I’ve met so many new friends and connections,” said Denver Book Swap Society cohost Jess Katzenberger. “The community in general is really friendly.”

First-time swappers Sydnye and Steven Stantz (along with their dog, Sophie), wholeheartedly agreed. Sydnye said they appreciated the casual environment at HomeDog and were excited to see other swappers grab books they donated.

Wiebe can often predict what types of books will come through, noting that it wouldn’t be a proper swap without some Colleen Hoover, Book of the Month books or Reese Witherspoon Book Club picks. She also partners with book-related vendors at some events, such as Bookmarks and Daydreams and The Teeny Tiny Bookshop. Natalia Marendt, founder of The Teeny Tiny Bookshop, said she’s been happy with sales at breweries, coffee shops and markets since opening in May.

“The mobile bookshop has been really well received,” Marendt said. “Bringing the books to people makes a big difference.”

While Wiebe initially started Denver Book Swap Society with five friends in a park, there are now society chapters in six Denver suburbs as well as Colorado Springs, Longmont, Fort Collins and even Kansas City and San Diego.

“It’s honestly still so crazy to me that this is at the level that it is,” she said. “I truly started this for my personal gain because I wanted more books to read and more friends, so it’s already exceeded expectations beyond my wildest dreams.”

In addition to the typical swap, the society has expanded to include other events such as candle-making, pottery workshops and brunches. Wiebe looks forward to continuing to host, expand and share the love of reading with all.

Register now for an upcoming Denver Book Swap Society event:

September 17: Book Swap at Duets Tap and Grill
September 28: Pottery Workshop and Book Swap at Sip and Throw
September 30: Candle Making and Book Swap at Paddywax Candle Bar
October 4: Bookish Brunch at RiNo Beer Garden
October 8: Book Swap and Spooky Pottery Painting at Glaze & Phase
October 22: Book Swap at Sanitas Brewing

Cara Myers is a freelance writer based in Centennial. A former arts & entertainment reporter, she has a passion for storytelling across music, film, theatre and dining. Alongside her writing, she also builds a career in parks and recreation, which keeps her closely connected to the great outdoors and local community. When she’s not working, you may find her hiking local trails, getting lost in a good book, catching a concert or simply enjoying a cozy night at home with her husband, Travis, and her stepdaughter, Luna.