The Gloucester Library will hold its Read and Recycle Book Program in January.

Children’s coordinator Michelle Edwards said that people can drop off books they own, have read and no longer want at either the main library in Main Street Center or the Point branch at York River Crossing Shopping Center, Hayes, from Jan. 2-31. “Reading and recycling, two important topics for our young people!” a library flyer said.

Then, library staff will hand out a “book buck,” one per book brought in at either location, which can be used from Feb. 1-28 to exchange for new, gently used books. The book bucks can be cashed at either branch, said library specialist Sara Robbins.

Last year, more than 1,000 books were turned in under the program, Edwards said, and library staff has been receiving requests about one in 2014.

Books that are not claimed in exchange will be donated to Friends of the Gloucester Library, which may sell the...