Looking for the latest bestseller, but strapped for cash? Book-swapping is the easiest way to get free books.
For many people, the start of a new year brings with it numerous resolutions. If one of your goals for 2008 includes reading more, you should consider book-swapping as a way to get your hands on a wide variety of books for free.
The Basics
Book-swapping sites are popping up all over the internet. Sites such as: Bookmooch, Paperback Swap and What’s On My Bookshelf have become increasingly popular among readers. They are a great resource for getting free books and they are simple to use. Swapping books is ideal for an avid reader who only reads a book once and it is also a great way to get your hands on those bestsellers you’ve been dying to read for virtually nothing.
Most book-swapping sites work in similar ways. You create an account and list the books you have and no longer want. You can also create a wish list of books that you do want, which makes searching for books easier and less time consuming. Members then search the site by book title, author or ISBN number and request the desired book(s) from other members. Members accumulate points for giving away books, so for each book you give, you are earning another.
The only cost related to participating in a book-swap is to cover the postage to ship the book to the receiving member. Most books can be sent within the domestic United States via Media Mail for less than $2.50 per book.
The amount of books offered and overall selections varies among sites. You can typically expect to find a majority of books by popular authors in abundance, though you may have some difficulty finding new releases.
Additional Benefits
As if getting free books wasn’t enough, some book-swapping sites offer additional benefits such as:
1. Charitable Donations
You have the option to donate your unwanted books to a wide variety of charities such as: libraries, schools and prisons. By giving away books, you are not only earning points towards books you want, but you are also doing something that makes you feel good.
2. Social Networking
Many book-swapping sites also serve as a means by which to meet people with similar interests. Consider these the Myspace or Facebook for book lovers!
3. De-clutter Your House
By sharing your unwanted books with others, you are also doing yourself a favor by freeing up some space around the house. What better way to make room for new books to add to your library?
4. Earth-Friendly
Book-swapping can be viewed as a means by which to recycle your old books. In this eco-friendly time, everyone wants to do their part to “go green” and what better way to cut down on the waste associated with printing of new books than to find a second-life for your unwanted books?
So whether you consider yourself a hard-core bibliophile or you just want to read more, you owe it to yourself to check out book-swapping sites. You have nothing to loose but your old books!
