If you're an avid reader, like most of the SWCP staff, you may have stacks of paperback books lying around.

I used to think I wanted to keep everything I'd ever read. Well, sadly, I'm running out of wall space. I love to browse at the used book store, but sometimes it's frustrating waiting for a specific book to show up.

One solution for this problem is Paperback Swap, at  http://www.paperbackswap.com, a website devoted to those of us who love to read and share books.

It works like this: first you sign up for an account and post books you have that you want to swap. When you've posted a minimum number, 10 to start, you get 2 credits for 2 books. When someone wants a book you've posted you get notified by email. Login to the website and print a wrapper for the book on any inkjet or laser printer. The wrapper will include suggested postage. Wrap the book up and mail it.

When the requester receives the book you'll get another credit. Use your credits to ask for any of the millions of books available. No other fees, no spam, just new books to read. Books should be in good condition to trade. Posting is as easy as typing in the ISBN.

If you’d like to release your old books into the wild and track their further adventures, check out Book Crossing, http://www.bookcrossing.com.

from SWCP Portal, March 2008