PaperBackSwap — Send & Receive Used Books for School or Just Fun

I’ve been a member of PaperBackSwap for around one year. Each time someone requests a book I’ve posted, I mail it to them using the PaperBackSwap address label printed at my computer. When that person receives the book, I gain a new credit to be used for a book I want. Most of the time, the postage runs about $2.47, and everything goes smoothly.

Yet, with any venture, some dishonest folks may take advantage. In cases like this, PaperBackSwap gives you the benefit of the doubt (ie, that you actually did mail a book).

While you won’t always find the newest releases waiting for you, PaperBackSwap can be a good way to grab some practically free books for school. Classic novels are usually available. You can often find copies of references books like The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual and The Elements of Style.

I posted both of the above on PaperBackSwap, and someone wanted them. I happened to have extra copies. I guess that happens to former proofreaders.

Some books I’ve received from PaperBackSwap include Smithsonian Q&A Cats: The Ultimate Question and Answer Book and The Bell Jar. Most of the books I’ve received have been in great condition, though one person did forget to wipe down a cookbook before mailing!

I don’t buy books often, so I don’t have many unwanted books posted at PaperBackSwap. However, it’s really nice to be able to send off a book to someone who wants it.

Have you tried PaperBackSwap or another book swapping program?

Logo via PaperBackSwap.

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