The Scientific Library’s Book and Media Swap—an NCI at Frederick tradition dating back to the turn of the millennium—kicked off on Halloween this year. Patrons, several in costume, flipped through hundreds of books in hopes of finding a hidden gem, a new bedtime read, or a gift for a friend or parent.
The Book and Media Swap takes place each fall in Building 549. Employees donate used books, CDs, and DVDs to the Scientific Library and, in return, they receive an equal number of credits to use at the Swap. At the end of the event, all unclaimed media is donated to local charities.
Each year, different subject-matter themes crop up among employees’ donated media: cats, dogs, and other pets are an annual staple. Other themes this year include gardening; photography; classic science fiction and fantasy, such as Isaac Asimov and J.R.R. Tolkien; Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation; and biographies.
“I picked up a biography of Harry Truman last year, and it was great. I donated it this year and it’s already gone!” said Howard Young, Ph.D., senior investigator, Cancer and Inflammation Program, who also thanked the library staff for hosting the event.
There is still plenty of time to visit the Swap and find some new reading material. The event runs through the month of November from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each business day in the Scientific Library.
