I’m an avid book reader!

One of my favorite places on the web to get new paperbacks is Paperback Swap

Ok, it’s December and you’ve come to realize that the math program you thought was the perfect fit your child just isn’t going to do it….Or you’ve decided to embark on a literature study come the New Year, but there’s this out-of-print book you can’t find anywhere, not even through interlibrary loan…Or your bookcases are full (and sagging) and you’re just plain tired of stubbing your toes on that pile of books in the corner…

Enter Paperback Swap, an online community of book lovers who trade their old books to get “new” books. It’s free to join, and as soon as you list 10 books, you get 2 free credits—that’s right, just for listing some books you get to order 2 new books. For every referral you make who lists 10 books, you get another credit (if you decide to join, please use my referral link). I’ve been a member for about a year and have saved over $80 in books, and I’m not a heavy “trader.” The idea is to “pay it forward,” so your only expense is the cost of packing and shipping out books that are ordered from you. Books are sent media mail and you can wrap them in brown paper. Average cost to mail out a book: $2-$3. Low on credits? You can buy credits for $3.45 each.

And don’t be fooled…this isn’t just for paperbacks, but ANY kind of book, even huge, hardcover books. I’ve ordered lots of “gems” including out-of-print books and hard-to-find books that originally cost $20 or more. They also have a wishlist, so if there’s a particular book you are looking for that is not listed, you can ask to be notified if it becomes available. (Note: popular books like the Story of the World series have long wish lists, so don’t expect to pick them up here).

Yes, these are used books, but many come through in “new” condition and there are guidelines on what condition is acceptable and what is not. If you receive a book in unacceptable condition, you can usually get back your credit. You can also specify in your account if you will not accept books with certain types of problems (for example: highlighting, missing dustcover, ex-library, etc.)

So, if you are a book junkie like me (or my hubby…why did I ever tell him about Paperback Swap?), be sure to check it out here. (note: this is a referral link, but in case it doesn’t work right, please type my email addy, without the spaces, in the referral box when you sign up—krissmavon @ yahoo.com, thanks!)