Salem Hosts Free Book Swap, Recycling Collection This Weekend

Zero Waste Salem is hosting a Free Book Swap on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Life Center in Salem, to promote materials reuse and community engagement.

Attendees can freely select from a wide range of donated items, including books, CDs, DVDs, records, puzzles, greeting cards, and shopping bags. Swapping isn't required, but donations are welcome.

According to a City of Salem news release, the book swap tends to be busiest at the beginning. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early; organizers note that plenty of books will still be available during the second half of the event.

Donations can be dropped off on Friday, March 20, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., or Saturday, March 21, between 9 a.m. and noon. All items should be clean and dry, with certain items, such as magazines, VHS tapes, and mildewed books, not accepted. Leftover books and remaining items from the Free Book Swap will be donated to More Than Words.

This year, the event will introduce a Salem-themed table showcasing 1,000 items to celebrate the city's quadricentennial. They include a dedicated "Salem Selections" table with more than 400 items, including books, puzzles, greeting cards, and music.

Attendees are also invited to bring TerraCycle items for recycling. Zero Waste Salem will be collecting used, dried Swiffer pads; razors, blades, cartridges, and their packaging; toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers, and toothbrush packaging; Brita dispensers, pitchers, bottles, filters, and packaging; and packaging for Burt's Bees products. 

For more information about the event, call 978-619-5672 or visit greensalem.com. The Community Life Center is at 401 Bridge St. in Salem.