Community Swaps

The Swap Events, funded by the Town of Canmore Community Grants Program, are a collaboration between the Canmore Public Library and the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley. Together, we strive to foster community connection, promote sustainability, and support our community. Whether you are looking for items, have items to drop off, or want to swap items, everyone is welcome!

Cost: Free, with the possibility to donate to HSBV

Location: Friends Program Room at Canmore Public Library

We currently host two types of swap events:

Monthly Full Moon Themed Swaps: Held on the Friday and Saturday closest to the full moon. These swaps are themed based on the full moon (e.g., gardening, kitchen supplies), with donations accepted during swap hours until 1 PM on Saturdays. Clothing, shoes, and accessories are always welcome, with extra items inspired by each month’s moon theme.

Clothing Swap-O-Ramas: These massive clothing swaps occur twice a year and typically run for a full weekend. Donations are accepted during the week leading up to the event. The Swap-O-Rama focuses on clothing, shoes, and accessories only.

Upcoming Swaps

  • Strawberry Moon Swap

    June 5: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    June 6: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


    What to Bring (and Discover!)
    Swap clean, gently used items such as: Clothing, shoes & accessories, summer equipment, gardening tools, and gear.

    We’re also collecting non-perishable food donations for the Community Food Cupboard!

  • Buck Moon Swap

    Aug 7: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    Aug 8: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


    What to Bring (and Discover!)
    Swap clean, gently used items such as: Clothing & accessories, back to school supplies and gear.

    We’re also collecting non-perishable food donations for the Community Food Cupboard!

  • Swap-O-Rama

    Sept 11: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Sept 12: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Sept 13: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    What to Bring (and Discover!)
    Drop off anyone and everyone's clean, gently loved clothing, shoes, and accessories at the Canmore Library between Saturday, Sept 5th and Sunday, Sept 13th at 12:00 PM.

    All sizes, genders, and ages welcomed and encouraged. Please no household wares, toys, or other non-clothing items.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We’ve received fantastic feedback on hosting these swaps monthly, and we’re excited to continue them throughout 2025. However, we can’t do it without our amazing volunteers! Volunteers are crucial to making these events happen, and we’re truly grateful for any support interested community members can provide to keep this community initiative running strong.

If you are interested in volunteering at one of our community swaps, please complete this form and a staff member will reach out to you. 

Please note that this information will be collected on the Canmore Public Library website.

Sign Up

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!

We are dedicated to enhancing our swap events and would love to hear your thoughts. Whether you've attended our monthly Full Moon Swaps or the bi-annual Clothing Swap-O-Ramas, or if you haven't yet participated, your feedback is crucial. To help us shape future swaps, please complete the survey found here.

Fill Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Of course! Here are ways to donate your gently used items:

    Monthly Swaps: Please donate items on the same day of the swap, during swap hours.

    Clothing Swap-O-Rama: You are welcome to donate items the entire week leading up to the swap, as well as during swap hours!

  • No problem! The swaps are open for anyone to join, regardless of whether you bring items or not. Come on by and grab whatever you'd like - everyone is welcome!

  • The swaps are FREE - no purchase necessary!

    You are welcome to donate cash to support HSBV during the swap, or donate through our website if you would like to show support.

  • Yes, of course! The themes for our monthly Full Moon Swaps are meant to act as inspiration only, a jumping off point for those who aren't sure where to start!

  • We kindly ask that all donations be in clean, working order, as we do not accept broken or dirty items.

    At this time we are also unable to accept large furniture items or large appliances such as couches, chairs, ovens, fridges, etc. If you are unsure if we will accept your item, feel free to call us at the Library to inquire before bringing it in.

  • No. At this time, we do not place limits on how many items you can take or how long you spend swapping. You are welcome to come browse at your leisure and take home as many items as you'd like.

    With that being said, we do kindly ask that you are respectful and considerate of other swappers.

    If there is a line up to get into the Program Room, we ask that when it's your turn to swap you keep in mind that there are others waiting who are just as eager as you to swap.

    If you are planning on taking a large number of items (more than 2-3 average sized bags), we suggest coming to the swap during the final hour of the last day to take as much home with you as you'd like.

Swap Gallery