10 years of advocating reading: Book Swap anniversary

This April, RMIT Vietnam Library celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Book Swap event, in honour of World Book Day. This milestone was a resounding success, setting new records for community engagement and charitable giving.

As we look back on our 10th anniversary celebration, what stays with us is more than just the numbers; it’s the warmth and excitement you brought to our library throughout the month. Celebrating World Book Day on 23 April made this milestone even more meaningful, marking a full decade of sharing our love of reading and storytelling with you.

Four people with RMIT lanyards pose indoors in front of a red counter; two hold books and one holds a decorative fan. Their faces are smiling.

Jubilant smiles of book swappers at the event

Celebrating a decade of the Book Swap journey

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, took part in our online trivia, or supported our goals in any way. Your energy transformed a simple book exchange into a vibrant celebration of community.

Nearly 1,400 books found new homes, each one passed from reader to reader, extending its life and sharing wisdom, adventure and comfort within its pages.

We welcomed 154 in-person attendees and 41 online trivia participants. Whether you joined us on campus or connected from afar, you showed that our community is curious, engaged and eager to connect in every way.

With around 300 unique participants at Book Fest, the event truly came alive. Every interaction became a moment of connection — a conversation sparked, a recommendation shared, and a collective love of books that brought our campus to life.

A person in a black shirt holds a large stack of books in their arms at an indoor event, with more books displayed on tables nearby.

Participants are browsing and picking the books

With heartfelt thanks to the Japanese Culture Club, Pride Club, and Neo Culture Tech Club for collaborating with us. Your support helped bring learning and creativity together.

Students interact and read posters in a modern campus space, with some seated and some standing near an "Adobe" branded area.

Club activities at the Beanland library

A group of students with RMIT lanyards pose indoors in front of a decorated board, some holding fans and flowers, making peace signs

A supporting club at Hanoi campus

The heart of our community: generosity in motion

The most moving part of this year’s Book Swap was witnessing your incredible kindness towards our charity initiative. Watching the piles of donations grow each day was a powerful reminder of how much this community truly cares.

So far, you have donated nearly 400 children’s books and more than 615 stationery items. These aren’t just objects; they are tools for learning and sparks of joy that will help brighten the lives and futures of children in need.

What makes this even more special is that the momentum hasn’t slowed. The number of donations continues to grow each day as more of you step forward to help. We are deeply touched by your willingness to share your resources and make the world a little brighter for others.

We are incredibly grateful to the loyal participants who return year after year, proving that our community of book lovers is stronger than ever. Thank you for helping us celebrate a decade of promoting a love of reading.

Contributor: Uyen Nguyen

06 May 2026

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Students browse and read books displayed on tables during a campus book swap event, with an Adobe sign in the background.

10 years of advocating reading: Book Swap anniversary