Covert Covers (a bookswap)

To note - This is a queer event centered around women, trans and non-binary folx. Allies are welcome to attend, but please be respectful of the space and the community. Any homophobia and transphobia will not be tolerated.

How the swap works:

Attendees bring at least 1 book. Everyone wraps their books so the covers are not visible. You'd write a few bullet points about why someone would want to read it. These can be as simple as "queer", "friends to lovers", or "for fans of Detransition Baby", but creativity is always appreciated.

Once the books are wrapped, they are laid out for everyone to peruse before we begin swapping. Swapping happens in rounds so if you brought 1 book, you participate in 1 round. The name and author of the book is written on the back to avoid mistakenly taking a book you've already read. We will be doing the first 3 rounds where you only take 1 book at a time then open up the floor for anyone who brought four or more books. You can take home as many books as you brought.

After swapping, everyone is welcome to hang out and chat about books they swapped / received / love right now / are writing. This is a community event so this is as much yours as it is mine. If you have any suggestions of how to improve the swap, please feel free to reach out.

Any books left over will be up for grabs before being donated. Every book comes with a bookmark that serves as a library card if books are swapped more than once so you know who has ready the book before you.

As books at the swap often contain adult content, we have restricted attendance to those 18+. If you are a teen (above the age of 14) who would like to participate, please reach out to me and we may be able to accomdate. Guests with children are welcome to bring them, but children may not participate in the swap.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please message me on @swappingbookswithshan on Instagram.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Green Oasis, 370 East 8th Street, New York, United States