New home for old books
As I ate lunch in the break room recently reading “The Motorcycle Diaries,” a fellow BDN employee mentioned she is an avid reader, too, and cannot part with her books.
While I do keep several books — particularly those I received as gifts, hardcovers or those think I may reread — I give most of mine away through an online book swapping site called BookMooch.
I joined BookMooch shortly after it launched in late summer of 2006 (and just a few weeks after I deposited a few bags of paperbacks in the Goodwill bin, drat).
The site revolves around a simple concept: Post titles you’re willing to give to others and ask others to send their books to you.
Since I’ve joined, I’ve given away and received more than 100 books.
Other than paying for postage, participation is free.
I recommend sending the books through the USPS media mail service because it’s often cheaper than first-class. Once, I sent a box of 12 Sue Grafton books for less than $5. (Items sent through media mail must not contain anything other than media.)
Although I haven’t created camaraderie with other users, I know from reading BookMooch’s forum and comments on the founder’s blog that there are those who have.
Rules — such as what it takes to mooch a book — are involved, but you can go to www.bookmooch.com to learn more.
