At this point the cost of shipping is going to push me off this site. Been a member since 09 when it was less than $2... but this is crazy. It's cheaper to buy my wishlist books on ebay than to send a book to a friend on PBS and use the credit!

Yeah, media mail shipping isn't like it used to be, right? I wasn't bothered by the adoption of membership fees, especially when I can trade some credits for it via the Book Bazzaar, but the media postage now has made me more selective on when and how many books I mail. It's taken the shine off of swapping books somewhat.

It certainly has.

Yes,  I mailed two yesterday and it was $9. 

That was the main reason I hesitated renewing my membership this year.  PBS needs to change the price of selling our credits to $4 since it costs more than that to mail a book now.

I hesitated too about renewing membership this year, Adrienne. This year more so than previous years.

Yes, I agree with you Adrienne. That would be more agreeable.

Do we have to mail via media mail? If I bring it to the post office, can I request 1st class instead, or is that against the rules?

You can mail anyway you want but a book doesn't meet the requirements for first class mail as it would be considered a package and go USPS Ground Advantage and starts at $5 for 4 ounces and $8 to $9 for a pound depending on the region. Two pounds will be $8.95 to $15.70 depending on the region as there are 9 zones. Media Mail is shipped at a loss to USPS so usually the cheapest option. I've gotten books Priority and through UPS though. It just depends on the shipper.