I just realized I’ve never blogged about one of my favorite ways to get cheap/nearly free books! I’ve been using Paperback Swap since my sweet sister-in-law introduced me to it.
Here’s how it works. Sign up for a new account, then post ten books (paperback or hardback; it doesn’t matter) you wouldn’t mind clearing off your shelves. You’ll receive two credits (which you can immediately redeem for two free books) as soon as you list those first ten books. After that, to earn more credits, people will need to order your books. Once someone orders one of your books, you are responsible to mail the book to them (you pay the shipping cost… usually $2-$3). When they receive the book, then you’ll get another credit. You can also purchase more credits if you really want a book, but I have only done that once. I have a pretty long wish list on PBS of books I’d like to order if/when they become available. It’s easy to search for books and add them to your list!
Here are some of the books I’ve gotten through PBS: The Peacemaker by Ken Sande; The Path of Loneliness by Elisabeth Elliot; Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth Hainstock; Peace Like a River (for Tad) by Leif Enger; Why Government Doesn’t Work (for Tad) by Harry Browne; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White; Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot; How to Teach Your Baby to Read by Glenn Doman; Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron; Things We Wish We’d Known ed. by Diana Waring; The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian; Apples of Gold by Betty Huizenga; The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. (I have been a member for about a year.)
If you’re a bibliophile like me, then you’ll want to check out Paperback Swap!
The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you sign up for PBS using these links, I will receive one credit. Thanks!
I signed up last night after I saw you talk about it in your comments- what a great idea! Someone has already requested one of my books, so another credit is on its way. It seems that most of the books I want are a long wait, so I need to go and add some more to my wish list. Usually how long does it take for you to actually get a book you want?
@CortneySometimes I will go look up a book I want and it’s available immediately for order, so I can get it right away. Other times, I have to wait a while to get it off my wish list. I’ve waited 8-9 months before for a wish list book that I wasn’t in a rush about getting. If I’m REALLY far down the list, then I might just order it elsewhere. 🙂