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Quick Clicks: Paperback Swap

Engaging Educators (Website) - 9/17/2011 by B Curran
If you’re a teacher, chances are that the following are true:

you have a ton of books
a good portion of those are either sitting somewhere unread or no longer of use to you
there are a ton of books you wish you had

Enter Paperback Swap, a site designed to connect readers looking to trade books.

With Paperback Swap, you start by creating a free account and posting books you own that you’re willing to mail away to someone who wants them. You have to pay for postage, but as soon as you start shipping out your books to people who “claim” them, you start earning credits. These credits can be used to order books from other users.
Can’t find the books you want on Paperback Swap? You have the option of adding them to a wish list. Then you’re emailed as soon as another member posts the book. If you’re the only one who listed it, you even get first dibs before it goes on the open market.
I’ve shipped away several books. And while it does take time, effort, and a small amount of money to do that, it’s worth it when you’re able to find books that you’ve been clamoring for. Just the other day, in fact, I got a copy of Daniel H. Pink’s A Whole New Mind. And, get this, it turned out to be an autographed copy! Not too shabby, huh? So if there are books out there you want to add to your personal or classroom library, give Paperback Swap a try. And if you are a fan of our Quick Clicks series, please consider subscribing. We think it will be worth your time.