A sustainable initiative by one of Manchester’s historic landmarks is helping to revolutionise reading across the region.
Corn Exchange Manchester’s innovative Book Exchange Machine, dubbed ‘Read Swap Repeat’, has been a hit with book lovers since its launch in 2023.
The machine offers a sustainable way to enjoy literature and keep books in circulation, giving them second, third, or even more chances at life.
Free to use and easy to navigate, it makes the joy of reading accessible to everyone.
Since its inception, the machine has swapped more than 2,500 books, preventing them from heading to landfill and instead promoting a culture of reuse.
Its wide variety of genres meets all literary tastes, and two rows are filled exclusively with children’s books to help instil a love of literacy from an early age.
How to use the Book Exchange Machine
The process is simple: bring in a pre-loved book, head over to the customer service host, and hand over your book.
In return, you’ll be given a token that can be used to select your next free read from the book vending machine.
You can swap a book as many times as you like, ensuring there’s always something new to discover and continuing the cycle of sustainability.
What’s even better, once you’ve chosen your book, there are 14 restaurants in the Corn Exchange where you can enjoy your new read while indulging in a delicious meal.
Literature for less
All the books within the Book Exchange Machine are second-hand but in good quality.
If a book isn’t deemed suitable for the machine, it will be donated to a local charity shop to make sure it can find a new home and to further support the community.
The unique ‘Read Swap Repeat’ initiative offers an easy and practical solution for those looking to reduce waste and make positive, sustainable choices. By opting for used books over new ones, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint, while also benefiting from a more cost-effective alternative.
So why not bring your pre-loved books and start swapping today? You can find the Book Exchange Machine inside Corn Exchange, located in the Fennel Street Exit.
