One way to keep reading in a recession: 'Take a Book, Leave a Book' book exchange shelves

The Burlap & Bean shelves can contain like-new hardbacks

Your Philadelphia Literary Scene Examiner has discovered three places in our area where one can exchange one book for another, even-steven, on the honor system, free, no questions asked. This (in addition to libraries and used-book stores) is a great way to recycle and keep your reading up when book money is tight.

All three book-exchange locations are in the ‘burbs, and are as follows:

• The Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse
Not only does this family-owned coffeehouse and roastery have an ever-changing, well-stocked book-exchange bookcase tucked toward the back of the store, it also has the ideal ambience for reading. You'll want to select a book, sink into one of the deep leather couches, and hang awhile. And did I mention the coffee is delicious, roasted fresh on the premises, and Fair Trade and Organic? Directions are on the web site. The location is accessible by bus. Address: 204 S Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square, PA.

•  The Paoli Train Station/SEPTA R5 and AMTRAK line:  There are actually two “Take A Book, Leave a Book” bookshelves located here, one on each side of the tracks. The bookshelves inside the station building, on the Paoli-to Philadelphia-track, appear to be stocked with paperbacks, mostly romances, donated by the Paoli Library. The shelf on the opposite, arriving-from-Philadelphia side,seems a little more free-wheeling. Address: 13 E Lancaster Ave., Paoli, PA.

One Paoli Station bookshelf is en plein aire

•  The Swarthmore Train Station/SEPTA R3 line:  The book exchange bookshelves here are inside the station building, on the Philadelphia-bound side. The bookshelves are accessible only when the station building is open (Mon-Fri 5:35 AM-12:15 PM). Given that this station is located on an edge of known-to-be-studious Swarthmore College, and that the Borough of Swarthmore is known to be peopled by readers (the town newspaper, The Swarthmorean, runs an annual issue in which residents contribute their reading lists), the selection here can happily run toward the eclectic, academic and literary. Address: 2 South Chester Road, Swarthmore, PA. 

If you know of any other "Take a Book, Leave a Book"  bookshelves in the Philadelphia area, please share them with readers by posting the information below in the comments section.

The Swarthmore Train Station