The Great FSP Book Swap and Sale: How The Tradition Has Come To Be

Friends School of Portland is a place for book lovers.

Faculty and parents swap book recommendations as readily as classmates and buddies.

When I first joined FSP, alum parent and Brookline Booksmith co-owner, Lisa, approached me about the possibility of an FSP treasured book sale. Could we host an online book sale or an in-person book sale to raise funds for FSP and support our book-loving culture? The answer came to be yes!

In the beginning, we brought in boxes of books with teacher recommendations. Graduates came back to help with the sales. We hung signs and got systems down. Then with COVID closures, we needed to recalibrate.

In the fall of 2021, we handed out bookmarks and asked families to look through their bookshelves. Bring a book to pass along and make sure you add your name! We weren't gathering in large groups but still wanted to connect. A new tradition began to come to fruition!

This year, once again, we are preparing for The Great FSP Book Swap + Sale. Over the years, we've welcomed guest librarians and authors (Samara Cole Doyon and Phuc Tran) the week of the swap.

This year, EB Goodale will join our preschool-to-second-grade students. Parents and friends will help set up all the swapping tables. Back Cove Books is ready to come join the fun with new books for sale and teacher recommendations.

We are also excited to have the Burnurwerbskek Drummers join for assembly at 12:45 pm before the Book Swap! It is a lively afternoon that has evolved over time with the thought and care of so many in our small school community. Thank you!

Can't wait to see you at this year's Great FSP Book Swap and Sale on Friday, Oct. 16 from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm.