English-language book exchange programme in Barcelona

For most readers living in their home cities, a book exchange programme might seem something basic, not worth a second thought.

In Barcelona, plenty such programmes exist for Catalan and Spanish literature, and there are even stores such as Re-Read, with numerous shops offering second-hand books for low prices.

But for English-language readers living in Barcelona, the idea of a book exchange initiative is far more niche. 

That's where English-language bookshop Backstory steps in, giving readers new opportunities to find literature they love.

People can bring in their old books, and for every three books delivered to the store, they can exchange them for another pre-loved book of their choosing.

As Kate Barasz, co-owner of Backstory Bookshop alongside Abbie Hibler, puts it, "people have limited shelf space."

"In order to not just throw away their books, they wanted to donate them to the store," thus giving rise to the Backstory book exchange programme.

We have kids' books, we have nonfiction, we have some hidden gems in there that are old books that you're like, ‘oh, gosh, I can't believe this, I haven't seen this in forever,’ Hibler says.

The pair say there are even plenty of new releases on offer, citing examples of someone finishing the book over a weekend. "A book that was released on Tuesday is now back in the shop on Monday," they say.

With hundreds of "pre-loved" titles to choose from, Barasz and Hibler just ask that people "bring in books that are in good condition," to partake in the programme. 

Those taking part don't have to choose the book they want to take on the same day. With a card-stamping system in place, people can leave in books at any moment, have their card stamped, and take home their new book at a later date. 

Plus, with a second Backstory location in El Born opened last September, the options grow further.

It's time to start making new shelf space.