The Cultural Affairs Bureau has officially announced the return of its popular “Book for Book” swap campaign, with a series of events scheduled across Macao and Taipa from May to November 2025. The initiative aims to cultivate a stronger reading culture in the city by encouraging residents to exchange books and discover new titles through community engagement.
This year marks the second edition of the “Book for Book” programme, following its successful debut in 2024. Last year’s campaign, which spanned from May to December, attracted significant public participation, highlighting the local community’s enthusiasm for literature and sustainable reading practices.
Book Swaps Part of Reading Month Activities
As part of the city’s broader Reading Month celebrations this May, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has organized two initial swap events:
May 17-18 at the leisure area in Praça das Orquideas.
May 24-25 at the Areia Preta Urban Park.
Both events will run from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, providing ample opportunity for residents to browse and exchange books in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
How the Swap Works: One Book for Another
The “Book for Book” concept is simple yet impactful: participants are invited to bring along books they wish to exchange and select an equal number of titles from the collection available at the venue. However, to ensure fair participation and smooth logistics, a maximum of 20 books per person is imposed.
To maintain the quality and relevance of the book collection, certain types of materials will not be accepted. Specifically, magazines, outdated publications, and books in poor condition will be excluded from the swap. These guidelines are designed to keep the selection fresh, appealing, and valuable for all readers.
Upcoming Swap Dates Through November
Following the May events, additional book swap sessions are scheduled throughout the year at various community locations:
July 26-27: Rotunda de Carlos da Maia.
September 27-28: Leisure Area at Lok Yeung Fa Yuen Building in Fai Chi Kei.
November 22-23: Open space adjacent to Flower City in Taipa.
These events aim to reach a broad audience by rotating venues across different neighborhoods, fostering greater accessibility and participation among residents.
Promoting Reading and Sustainability
Beyond simply exchanging books, the “Book for Book” campaign underscores broader goals of promoting literacy, reducing waste, and supporting a culture of shared resources. By encouraging the reuse and circulation of books, the initiative aligns with sustainable practices while enriching the city’s literary landscape.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau emphasizes that such programmes not only promote reading but also strengthen community bonds. By bringing people together over a shared love of books, the swap events create informal spaces for literary discovery and cultural exchange.
Continued Support for Literature in Macao
In addition to the book swap series, the Cultural Affairs Bureau continues to support various literary initiatives throughout the year. For instance, the House of Macao Literature will host free youth playwriting workshops in June, further nurturing local talent and fostering creative expression among young writers.
With the return of the “Book for Book” series, Macao reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive reading culture, ensuring that access to books and literary resources remains a shared community experience.
