Paper Back Swap vs The Library

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

03 Jun 2007 09:29 AM

I think I am finally coming around to the idea of using Paper Back Swap. At first, I didn't think it was a very frugal choice. After all, there is still the cost of mailing the books: $2.13 to $2.47 (more for delivery confirmation), whereas getting books from the library is free. Of course, you don't get to keep the library books, whereas with Paper Back Swap you can add favorite books to your personal shelves permanently.

Oh, in case you aren't familiar with Paper Back Swap, the way it works is pretty simple. You join and upload nine or more books that you are willing to give away. They can be paper back, hard cover or audio books. You automatically get three credits. You can use these credits to get books from other members. And, if another member requests and receives a book from you, well then you are given another credit to spend. Members pay all of the expenses for the books that they personally mail out. You can also buy book credits at $3.85 each.

Two things are beginning to change my mind. One is the move to a new house. The closest library to us now is about fifteen minutes away and not an easy drive. The rising gas expense and the inconvenience of trips to the library make it less attractive right now. Some libraries actually charge a fee to check out a new or popular book, another expense.

The other thing is that it is pretty fun to be involved with Paper Back Swap. It is exciting to see if any of my books will be requested. An e-mail letting me know that something on my wish list is available is nice. too. And of course, there is the anticipation of getting something in the mail. I can see that Paper Back Swap can quickly become addicting.

There is a whole community around Paper Back Swap, something, unfortunately that used to be part of community libraries but seems to be missing lately. I feel some guilt about that, since I have always loved libraries and have always tried to support them.

Paper Back Swap also gives you credits if someone signs up with your recommendation. So if you tell your friends about the site and they sign up, you'll get more free books. At the moment, Paper Back Swap is free, but the owners say that they may have to charge a fee of $10-20 sometime in the future. It isn't clear whether existing members will be grandfathered in for free, if that happens.

You can learn more about Paper Back Swap, including tips on using it, by reading Julie's very well-written article in the Deals Blog.

Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 05 Jun 2007 02:46 PM

Yippee!!! You joined Paper Back Swap!!! lol Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 06 Jun 2007 02:49 AM

Yes! I listed 12 books and had one request, so far. Any tips?

jonesx6 (1606) 06 Jun 2007 11:56 AM

No real tips from me. lol I have about 6 books posted right now and no takers. I don't like when that happens. Generally speaking eventually one of the books will be requested. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 06 Jun 2007 12:39 PM

Well, I'll just keep plugging away, then. One thing I didn't anticipate is that some books may come from a smoking home instead of a non-smoking home. I'm allergic to certain brands (I don't know which) of cigarette smoke.

jonesx6 (1606) 08 Jun 2007 08:55 AM

Yikes I never thought about the smoking vs. non-smoking houses. I haven't had any books that "smelled." I wonder if there isn't a way to ask if the owner is in a smoke free house. Happy Swapping!! Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 11 Jun 2007 04:07 AM

I guess we could PM the member, but I think at that point, the request would already be accepted and mailed?