Book Drive: Frequently asked questions

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.

Of course! A Book Drive is all about bringing people together through a shared love of books. Why not team up with a friend, a colleague or a family member and host it together?

Absolutely. A Book Drive can easily be added to something already in the diary, such as a coffee morning, workplace lunch break, book club, community group meeting or U3A event.

Most books are welcome, as long as they're in good, sellable condition and ready to find a new reader. From children's books and crime novels to biographies, cookbooks, and art and photography books, there's bound to be a title someone else will love.

Donations are always welcome and help support Oxfam's work around the world. However, people are also welcome to simply bring books to pass on and be part of the event.

Yes! If someone finds a book they'd love to read, invite them to make a donation using your fundraising page or QR code and take the book home. Any books left at the end of the event can then be donated to Oxfam.

A Mystery Book Pool is a fun way to share favourite books and spark curiosity. Simply wrap a book you've enjoyed, add a short clue about the story, and invite people to choose a mystery read after making a donation.

Not at all. It's just one idea to help make your Book Drive more interactive. You might prefer to share book recommendations, run a book quiz, create book bingo cards, or simply enjoy chatting about favourite reads over a cuppa while raising funds for Oxfam!

Once your Book Drive is over, simply pass any remaining books on to your local Oxfam shop.

That's fantastic! If you think you'll have more than two large shopping bags of books, or several boxes, we recommend contacting your local Oxfam shop beforehand so they can help you plan the best way to drop them off. Or you could consider donating books by post.

Yes. Oxfam's Donate by Post service is free and makes it easy to send books from home. Simply order your donation bags, fill it with books, and send it back to us at no cost to you.

Yes. If you're a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid can help us raise even more from the books you donate. Information about Gift Aid is available in Oxfam shops and online.

You'll receive resources to help you plan and promote your Book Drive, including an editable invitation and poster, a personalised fundraising page and QR code, plus our Mystery Book Pool Guide packed with ideas and inspiration.

We're here to help. Please email fundraising@oxfam.org.uk and a member of the team will be happy to answer your questions.