Reading is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable hobbies for many people. However many, who enjoy the company of a good book, are faced with two distinct problems.
The first major issue of an avid reader is that you probably have loads of books stashed in ever corner of the house and have no clue what to do with them.
Problem number two, as many who love reading know, buying the latest book from your favourite author can become quite costly.
The library is always an option, but with due dates and availability issues, borrowing and having to return can be a bit of a hassle. There is a simple way to solve both of these problems. Participating in a book exchange can provide homes to your used books, as well as give you access to a wealth of reading material for free.
Between Friends
One of the simplest ways to exchange books is between your friends and family members. Whether you choose to exchange on a one on one basis or have a fun afternoon get-together and swap books, you can get access to some great reads without spending a dime. This is often one of the most likely ways to get books that you will really enjoy, as many of your friends will have the same interests as you.
Book Exchange Clubs
Many large cities and even some small towns have a book exchange club. Members meet on a regular basis, usually monthly, to trade books amongst each other. If your interests are broad, this is a great way to get access to titles that you may not otherwise have picked up. Check newspaper calendar listings or the bulletin board at the local library, as many times these groups post information about their meetings in these places.
Book Exchange Stores
If you haven’t any friends with an interest in the same topics as you, or there is no local club in your area, check the business directory for used book shops. Often, then allow users to exchange their old books toward store credits for new titles. These can give you a huge variety and sometimes have access to the newest releases. If you run out of books to swap, titles are also available for purchase at very reasonable prices. Chances are, if you are looking for a popular title, this will be the best place to find it.
Online Book Exchanges
To truly broaden your library, consider joining an online book exchange. Here you can list the titles of books that you have available for trade and search for titles that you would like to have sent to you. Most work through a point system, where you receive points for sending your books to other users, which you can use toward requesting that a particular book be sent to you. There are rarely any fees to join and the only costs incurred are those for the actual shipping of the books. To save on the shipping fees, choose the option of sending them through media mail, at a reduced price.
Book Exchange Etiquette
There are a few common sense rules to follow when participating in a book exchange. Be sure to adhere to these guidelines to make sure your swap is satisfactory for everyone involved.
Be sure that your books are in decent condition - Don’t swap books with torn or missing pages or covers that are falling off. Only trade books that you would want to be given to you.
Give your books the “sniff test” before swapping - Some people are sensitive to mould, mildew, and even cigarette smoke odours. Checking to make sure that your books are free from these irritating smells is the polite thing to do before handing them off to someone else.
Never trade books that have been marked or written in - This includes children’s books that your little darlings have decorated, and also books in which you have highlighted certain passages.
If participating in an online exchange - Be sure to mail requested books out promptly and always give credit to the person who has sent you a book, especially if the club operates under a points system.
If you follow the rules and participate responsibly, you will certainly enjoy exchanging books with other readers. No matter which option you choose, swapping is always less costly than purchasing a brand new book to read. For some extra fun, start a discussion with the person with whom you have exchanged books. Trading analyses of plots, characters, and storylines can make exchanges even more rewarding.
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