Be Your Own Library

I don't seem to be able to find the time to get to my local library lately. Even if I did, I don't know that I'd be able to read a book and return it by the due date to avoid a late fee. Pre-children, I used to borrow at least 5-6 books a month and read in all my free time. Used bookstores were also a favorite haunt of mine. But now I am lucky if I get through one issue of Parents magazine before the next month's edition arrives. Fortunately,I have found this great website called PaperBackSwap.com.
Here's how it works: You swap books with other members around the country by trading books through the mail to one another. To start, you set up an account with papaerbackswap and round up any and all books you would like to swap (Unlike the website's name, you can swap hardcover books in addition to paperbacks). You add these books to a virtual "Bookshelf" by inputting the ISBN number on the back of the book into PBS's system. Once you've added so many to your shelf, you will receive credits that allow you to swap with another member. If someone requests a book from your shelf you simply mail it out and when they receive it you will receive a credit allowing you to trade more books. It is very simple. And recently Paper Back Swap has added the option of paying for postage right on their website, so you don't even have to make a trip to the post office. You can just print off a pre-paid mailing label and slap it onto your package and pop it in your mailbox!
Many small paperback novels can be wrapped in one or two sheets of printer paper and mailed, but I also like to re-use paper grocery bags and wrap my books in them for safe handling in the mail. I have received fantastic new releases such as "the Kite Runner" and hardcover books that would cost me much more at a bookstore. You can run a search for NY Times bestsellers as well as title, author and keyword searches to find books you want. If the book you're looking for is not available, you can add it to a Wish List and receive an email notification if a copy gets added to the website.
The only cost to use PaperBackSwap.com is postage to mail out your books, which averages around $2.46 a book, and a small surcharge if you choose to purchase your postage directly on the website instead of going to the Post Office. This is better than any bargain I have found at used bookstores!
PapaerBackSwap has also launched two sister sites, SwapaCD and SwapaDVD which run on the same premise. I'd love to hear feedback from you if you have used these other sites or PaperBackSwap.com. Share your experience here!