Free book exchange websites

October 10, 7:49 PMSeattle Homeschooling ExaminerLisa Russell

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It's almost free, environmentally friendly and a great idea for homeschoolers. Internet book exchange clubs allow participants the opportunity to get free books. They're different than libraries, because when you borrow books from the library you have to return them. They're different than used book stores because you're not browsing musty books and paying half price, or sometimes more. Book exchange programs are good old-fashioned bartering, and a great way to expand your personal library, trading books you don't want for books that you do want.

PaperBackSwap.com is one such site. Registration is easy, simply sign up, it's absolutely free. When you register, you enter the ISBN numbers (from the barcode on the back cover) of all the books you want to get rid of. The system compares it to people's wish lists and you pay the shipping to send them off. (USPS media rate is dirt cheap.) You get two "credits" upon registration. One credit is good for a paperback book. Some users also share audio books, which are available for 2 credits.

TitleTrader.com is another exchange website. In addition to books, this site also allows users to trade videos, DVDs, hardcover books and CDs. The interface is clean and looks easy to navigate. Upon registration, you're given a few credits to "shop" with. List all of your items and ship at your expense, when the recipient gets the package, they release their credits to you.

So far, my favorite book exchange site is BookMooch.com maybe because the name is cute, or maybe because the graphic on the front page is adorable. Either way, their program is set up similarly to the other two. Over 50,000 people have given away over 2 million books with Book Mooch.

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