Swapping Books: Good for the Mind, the Soul, Your Wallet and the Environment!

About a year ago I learned about a website that allows you to swap used books, just for the cost of postage. The PaperBack Swap is not only beneficial for the avid reader, but also for the college student on the hunt for textbooks or other required reading.

Here’s the abbreviated lowdown: You open an account on the site and list 10 books you are willing to swap. They provide you with 2 startup credits. Each time one of your books is requested, you mail it out and receive an additional credit. The more credits you accumulate, the more books you are entitled to request. Each book is available for 1 credit. If you are in search of a particular book, you add it to your “wish list”. They will notify you when it becomes available. The only cost to you is shipping a book that is requested from you. They will email you when one of your books has been requested, and provide you with an address and even the wrapper for the book. You wrap the book, pay for postage and mail it out. It could not be easier. Try looking for some of your required textbooks on the site. My daughter had success this past semester. Your requested book will be sent to you, free of charge. You can later add that book back on your book swap list. It’s a great way to feed your “book junkie” habit for a nominal postage fee!

As an added benefit, the site also swaps audio books (for 2 credits). Note their links for swapping DVDs and CDs on top of the home page. Check it out and curl up with a good book, DVD or CD!