As families in your community are in the midst of back-to-school season and cooler weather settles in, we’ve gathered some of our most popular events that inspire lifelong learning and bring books into the resident experience. This fall, look for simple ways to incorporate books into your events and create moments where residents can connect on a deeper level.
Here's 8 ways you can incorporate books in events this fall season.
Hire a Book-Mobile
Ever seen a book-mobile? Contact your local library or search for a mobile bookstore and coordinate with them to be the main event at your next neighborhood gathering. Pair with a coffee cart and good music for a memorable reading experience!
👉 Pro Tip: Partner with a sponsor to provide the books for a discount (or free!)
Book Bingo
Bingo is the name of the game. Books are the prize! Visit your local discount store and purchase a variety of best-selling titles set up on a table as the grand prize for winning a round of Bingo. Neighbors will love the exciting atmosphere of a game, and their book will become a topic of conversation at their table when they win a prize.
👉 Pro Tip: Wrap the books on the prize table for extra suspense!
Blind Date With a Book
This event has been the all-time most popular book event across apartments over the past year. Shop for best-selling books in 4 or 5 categories and wrap them in brown paper with a small note that gives a clue to the book's title. Residents get to "mingle" with the clues and pick their book date for the evening - totally blind! Once selections have been made, everyone gets to unwrap and share with each other what they got.
👉 Pro Tip: Here is a video tutorial on how to wrap like an expert.
Bottles & Books
This event can be held at your clubhouse or a local winery! Create a warm environment with jazz music, a charcuterie board, and a wine tasting experience... paired with books! Residents can browse books while tasting wine and go home with a bottle and book to enjoy.
👉 Pro Tip: Bring in the experts. Hire a local bookstore owner and wine connoisseur for an elevated experience.
Book Swap Social
This event is a great way to get to know your neighbors better. Invite everyone to bring a "lightly loved" used book one Saturday morning and have them place their book on a table with a note giving their review. Over coffee and bagels, residents each take a few moments to share what they loved most about the book they brought before everyone gets to shop the books! This is a great atmosphere for building deeper connection and finding common interests.
👉 Pro Tip: Give out free tote bags, bookmarks, or coffee mugs to pair with their new book.
Start a Book Club
A Book Club is a great tool for growing deeper relationships after an event. When you notice common interests arise, open up your home for a weekly Book Club! We've seen coordinators thrive in community by hosting Cookbook Clubs, Bible Studies, and Favorite Fiction gatherings alike. A consistent schedule will build trust within the club, and neighbors will have a place to bring a friend!
👉 Pro Tip: Have coffee and sweets in your home and set the atmosphere with music.
Build a Free Little Library
Spanning across neighborhoods today, Free Little Libraries are a kind way to give back to the neighborhood. We've found that they work just as well in an apartment community! Talk with your Community Manager about the benefits of building one and keep it stocked throughout the year with books for kids and adults alike. Neighbors can browse on their daily walk and donate books of their own. It's a great way to keep the neighborhood resourced with free access to books.
👉 Pro Tip: Host a Community Event for the Grand Opening of the Free Little Library
DIY Bookmark Craft Night
Everyone loves a craft night! Provide an array of artsy options for neighbors to decorate a bookmark for themselves. From colorful string and alphabet charms to paint and stickers - everyone can express themselves and walk away with a personalized bookmark.
👉 Have someone teach a Crochet Bookmark Class to elevate the experience!
Got a favorite book event find we missed? Let us know! We love seeing how our coordinators and event planners of all kinds bring creativity and heart to their events—and we’re always here to help you make home your neighbors' favorite place to be.
Interested in enhancing community life at your property? Learn more about how Apartment Life can help here.
Interested in partnering with Apartment Life as an Events and Ministry Coordinator? We're hiring! Learn more and search for openings near you here.