I’ve been a bookworm since long before I could read words myself. I have an ever-growing book collection and have recently started culling my library of books I’ve read (or a few I don’t think I ever shall) to make room for, you guessed it, even more books!

I’ve long preferred used books. It’s not just that they’re more cost-effective (don’t get me started on eReaders! I understand they’re useful, and in fact have one, but that’s a rant I’ll save for another day…) but there’s something about the pre-loved feel of a used book that brings me greater joy than a crisp, fresh-off-the-shelves read. I particularly enjoy finding notes, letters and inscriptions in pre-loved books: a little hint to to their past lives.

I remember a few years ago I found a copy of The Tao of Pooh at a used bookstore in Old Strathcona that had a beautiful inscription from someone to a dear friend who hoped the book would bring them the kind of joy that the receiver brought the giver. It was beautiful and a bit heartbreaking to think that the giver’s thoughtful act had later been relegated to the used book bin. But that’s where I found it. (For more on this–I’m not the only one who enjoys a good hidden treasure in used books!–check out Stuff people leave in books, from fabulous stationary/writing blog, Rite While U Can).

Calgary is nearly bursting at the seams these days with Little Free Library’s and the like, and I fairly regularly share old books with friends. So I thought, Why not amp this up a bit? Which is why I’m pleased to announce YYC Book Swap! It’s exactly what it sounds like: a book swap online for Calgary readers. Got a book you want to swap or give away? Tweet it! Looking for a particular used book? Tweet it! See a book someone else is swapping/giving away? Tweet them! It’s a simple means to get people sharing books and ideas, and connecting to share books and ideas. It’s like one big Calgary-Twitter book club. So if you’re a reader, check it out. All it takes is a book and a hashtag.