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The Great Big Book Swap

Sun, Sep 20, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

American Writers Museum

The Loop

Free; falls on the museum's monthly free day

Official site

About

Free

The Great Big Book Swap has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.

It is a free way to refresh your bookshelf on Michigan Avenue, and the same Sunday is the museum's monthly free admission day. That means you can swap books and then tour the galleries, including the current American Prophets exhibition, without buying a ticket. Books left over at the end are donated to three Chicago literacy and prison-book nonprofits.

What to expect

Tables of donated books of every genre and reading level, open to browse throughout the day. Bring your own books to trade, then explore the museum's galleries on the second floor.

Good to know

  • Books can be dropped off at the museum's front desk during open hours starting Thursday, September 17.
  • The museum lists September 20 as its Monthly Free Museum Day.
  • The museum is at 180 N. Michigan Ave., near the Washington/Wabash and Lake stations.

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See the full ranked weekend board →

Common questions

Does it cost anything?

The museum lists the swap under its Free Days, and September 20 is its Monthly Free Museum Day.

What books can I bring?

Gently used books of any genre and any reading level.

What happens to books that are not taken?

They are donated to Books4Cause, Open Books and Chicago Books to Women in Prison.