Pass It On: Book Drive

A Book Drive is a community book swap and fundraiser where people bring books they're happy to pass on, discover new reads and support Oxfam through donations. Part book swap, part book collection and part fundraiser, it's a simple way to share a love of books while raising money for Oxfam.

Donations from your event support Oxfam's work, while the books you pass on inspire new readers and raise vital funds through Oxfam shops.

We’re inviting you to host your Book Drive before Make a Difference Day on 24 October 2026.

• A digital invite to personalise and promote your event
• A digital poster to personalise and promote your event
• A Mystery Book Pool guide packed with tips and ideas
• Ongoing support from the Oxfam team
• And more!

Hosting a Book Drive is easier than you might think.

1. Invite friends, colleagues or your community along.
2. Ask attendees to bring along a few books they'd be happy to pass on.
3. Create a Mystery Book Pool with wrapped books and clues.
4. Invite attendees to donate and discover a new read from the Mystery Book Pool.
5. Pass any remaining books on to Oxfam.

Why not build on something already in the diary? Whether it's a workplace lunch break, coffee morning, U3A meet-up or weekly community gathering, a Book Drive can easily be added to something you are already doing.

When you host a Book Drive, you’re supporting Oxfam, our partners, and the people they work alongside around the world.

In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Oxfam supports a woman-led multipurpose centre where women can develop skills, generate an income, and lead initiatives in water, sanitation and hygiene-related projects. The centre also provides education on child marriage and gender-based violence, helping women build confidence and create positive change.

Every Book Drive helps bring people together, gives pre-loved books a second life and supports communities around the world.

If you have any questions about hosting your Book Drive, we’d love to help. fundraising@oxfam.org.uk