The Book Swap at CU

Autorka článku: Karin Korkutata

Preklad do angličtiny: Filip Sameliak

On 23 April 2024, the atrium of Comenius University served as a venue for its very own Book Swap. The sunny weather that day created a perfect backdrop for the event. Students from various departments converged on the atrium, each bringing books that would soon be quickly swapped among eager participants. Organised by an enthusiastic group of students from four universities, the event aimed to foster a sense of belonging and love of reading among students and faculty members alike.

The concept of the event was simple yet effective: bring a book you no longer need and grab one that piques your interest. This exchange of knowledge and stories not only gave books a new home but also promoted sustainable reading habits. The event was also backed by generous book donations from several sponsors and faculty members. Bookshops and publishers such as Brak, Megabooks, and Panta Rhei, were of great help in increasing the variety and quantity of books offered for exchange.

There was also a special feature of the event—a board with QR codes that linked directly to academic books written by the university lecturers. This innovative approach allowed students to download scholarly works to their devices and many appreciated how convenient and accessible this method of distribution was.

There is no doubt about it; the organisation of the Book Swap ran seamlessly, thanks to the effective collaboration among students. Their teamwork and dedicated efforts were evident in the smooth execution of the event. The university staff and the Dean's Office provided invaluable assistance, further demonstrating Comenius University’s strong sense of community. The success of this event shows what can be accomplished when students and faculty work together to achieve a common goal.

The vibe throughout the event was simply friendly and calm. The students not only exchanged books but also lingered for conversations and refreshments. These informal interactions helped strengthen the bonds between students from different departments and fostered a sense of cohesion and mutual camaraderie. The opportunity to meet and talk to other book enthusiasts added a personal touch to the event, making it much more than a simple book exchange.

We cannot forget to mention another cool feature that contributed to the enjoyable course of the day—a live stream linking Comenius University with three other universities that were also organising their own Book Swaps. This real-time interaction with colleagues from other institutions added an extra layer of inclusivity and ensured the building of a wider community outside of one's university environment. Students were able to watch their peers engage in similar activities and share the joy of reading in different locations. And what happened to the books that could not be given away by the end of the event? A decision was made so that they would be donated to the Cesta von Association to bring joy to other readers.

The Book Swap managed to reap great success and highlighted the importance of activities that bring people together. Such events not only promote increased literary awareness and a love for books but also play a key role in building an enthusiastic university community. By uniting people around a common interest and purpose, initiatives like this help build lasting connections and memories among students and faculty alike. The Book Swap at Comenius University serves as a shining example of how even simple yet carefully planned events can strengthen both the academic and social fabric of university life.

We would also like to thank the organisers Karin Korkutata, Zuzana Hudáková, Simona Nagyová, and volunteers Damián Gazdík and Adam Wagner for the Book Swap’s smooth execution!