Thrifty Thursday: Cheaper Reading
Thursday July 9, 2009
I like to read. Call me enthusiastic, avid, or voracious, but feeding my hunger for books has cost me a pretty penny over the years. The library is great, but unfortunately you have to give them their books back eventually. 
My twins aren't quite as eager of readers as I am, but they have always liked books, and thus our house is full of stocked shelves.
A few years ago, I found a great way to keep myself supplied with books without spending a lot of money. It also allows me to clear out the books that I no longer want. Paperbackswap.com is a free web site that allows members to recycle used books. Despite its name, the swapping is not limited to paperbacks, but includes all forms of books, including audiobooks on CD or cassette. As a requirement join, you're asked to post ten books that you'd like to swap with other members. This gives you the ability to request books from other members. Requesting a book is free! However, in order to earn credits to request books, you're required to post and send books to other members, and you'll incur the cost of postage for sending the books. The site provides a convenient mailing label and even offers you the option to pay for postage online. It costs $2-$3 to mail a book, depending on postal rates and extra services.
With over 3 million books posted into the system, and new books being posted all the time, Paperbackswap.com is a wonderful place to obtain the books that you and your family want to read. Their are books in every topic and genre, from bestellers to textbooks, from cookbooks to picture books. I've often relied on it to acquire books in duplicate when both my twins wanted their own copy of an item. I've also used it extensively to clear out my bookshelves, sending out my old books to readers far and wide and making room for new things to read.
You can also save money on music and movies at Paperbackswap.com's sister sites: SwapaCD.com and SwapaDVD.com.
More Thrifty Thursday Tips from About.com's Parenting & Family Channel Guides:
A few years ago, I found a great way to keep myself supplied with books without spending a lot of money. It also allows me to clear out the books that I no longer want. Paperbackswap.com is a free web site that allows members to recycle used books. Despite its name, the swapping is not limited to paperbacks, but includes all forms of books, including audiobooks on CD or cassette. As a requirement join, you're asked to post ten books that you'd like to swap with other members. This gives you the ability to request books from other members. Requesting a book is free! However, in order to earn credits to request books, you're required to post and send books to other members, and you'll incur the cost of postage for sending the books. The site provides a convenient mailing label and even offers you the option to pay for postage online. It costs $2-$3 to mail a book, depending on postal rates and extra services.
With over 3 million books posted into the system, and new books being posted all the time, Paperbackswap.com is a wonderful place to obtain the books that you and your family want to read. Their are books in every topic and genre, from bestellers to textbooks, from cookbooks to picture books. I've often relied on it to acquire books in duplicate when both my twins wanted their own copy of an item. I've also used it extensively to clear out my bookshelves, sending out my old books to readers far and wide and making room for new things to read.
You can also save money on music and movies at Paperbackswap.com's sister sites: SwapaCD.com and SwapaDVD.com.
More Thrifty Thursday Tips from About.com's Parenting & Family Channel Guides:
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