SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Public Library is offering a brand-new event for adults to learn about the Icelandic culture.
On January 29 at the Southwick Public Library, people will have the opportunity to participate in the local version of the Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod, which is the reading and exchanging of books.
Those who choose to attend are asked to bring in a gently-used and wrapped book and enter into a Yankee Swap. A popular game, especially during the holidays, the Yankee Swap for books will work where each person participating will take a number out of a hat. People will then pick a wrapped book and have the option to keep it or trade it with someone that picked before them, after they unwrap the book. The game will continue until the last person picks and selects a wrapped book and decides to keep the book or not. There will be two chances to take part in the Yankee Swap, one at 1:30 p.m. and another at 6:30 p.m.
Participants of the Yankee Swap will have the chance to sit amongst each other and Southwick Public Library Director Diane Caruso sees the event as a great opportunity for people to socialize and enjoy reading different books.
Southwick Public Library Director Diane Caruso speaks about the Yankee Swap program for adults on January 29. (WNG File Photo)
“I think it’s different and it’s very laid back,” said Caruso. “Everybody will walk away with a different book that hopefully they haven’t read already.”
The Icelandic Jolabokaflod follows the annual release of new books in the Icelandic book trade catalog, Bokatidindi, that usually occurs in the months before Christmas.
A tradition that has been around in Iceland since 1944, Caruso wants people participating in the Southwick Library event on January 29 to see how important it is to Icelandic culture.
“This is how a lot of the people in Iceland pass the time in the winter,” said Caruso.
A free event, Caruso said adults interested in taking part in either of the two Yankee Swaps can bring their books at that time. There’s no registration required prior to the event.
