Q: How does it work?

A: You may take up to three books, three trees and spend up to three hours on the internet per day, and pay whatever you wish. Everything we do is on a donations only basis.

Q: Are you serious?

A: Yes, really, you can pay whatever you wish, for all our products and services.

Q: How much do people usually pay?

A: We give you no indication of what other people pay. You pay whatever the books are worth to you! We have no idea of your means so can not tell you how much you should pay.

Q: Do I have to bring the books back?

A: No. Once you have a book, it’s yours.

Although we would always accept the books back if you would like to return them, you do not need to do so. When you have finished it why not pass it on to a friend who you think would enjoy it. We encourage the sharing of good literature; a book is something that can be enjoyed on a deeper level than a film or tv programme and should be shared.

Q: But don’t some people pay very little; how do you make ends meet?

A: You would be surprised how generous most people are if you give them a chance. Yes, some people give very little, but some people give a lot. Occasionally we will only just cut even but generally we make a surplus. With three generous donations we can cover our running costs for the day.

Q: Where do the books come from?

A: All our books are donated, from one place or another. Customers regularly give us their old books and we also collect surplus books from local charity shops.

Q: When are the shops open?

A: Exeter – Our opening hours are very flexible. We try to keep the shop open as many hours as possible, although we don’t open until 11:30, generally we are around until at least 7:00 or 8:00. If it wasn’t for the gremlins upstairs we might be open until midnight! When our internet café is open to the public, depending on custom we may stay open later.

Brighton – Because we have to stick to the Market’s opening times we are open around 10:00 until 5:30 - Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 until 2:00 - Monday and closed on Sundays.

Q: Do you have any books by “x”?

A: The simple answer is – we don’t know. Because we have such a huge amount of books, there is no database of what we have in stock. We can direct you to the right section of the shop, where it may be on the shelf, or we will be happy to take your contact details and get in touch if we find it at the warehouse.

Q: Can I volunteer?

A: Yes, that would be wonderful. See our “Volunteer” page.

Q: Do you want my old books?

A: We’re always delighted to get book donations of any kind. Just drop them into the shop and we shall endeavour to find them all good homes.

Q: Can you collect my books?

A: We can collect books from in and around Exeter, hopefully a wider area in the future, but at present can not make special journeys for small book donations. We always appreciate your book donations however, and can give unlimited help unloading from your car!

Q: Why did I get a book from you through my door?

A: Lucky you, you have been visited by the Book-Cycle pixies! See our page on Post-Cycle for more information.

Q: How do you pay our rent and bills?

A: Rent, electric & water and expenses of the Book-Cycle van is paid for by donations. The rent on our building has been capped for 15 years; we have 5 left, so it is very reasonable. We try and keep costs to a minimum; no wages, team outings or posh business lunches are taken out of our donations. We want to be one of the most the most transparent charities going and hope to show our accounts both on our website and in the shop windows,We do what it says on the tin!

Q: Can I send a box myself?

A: Yes, we would love it if you did. See “Where Our Books Go” and give us a call to find out how to send your own box to Africa.

Q: Do the staff get paid?