There's a phenomenon sweeping my bookshelves. It involves things I have bought, read, in the most part enjoyed, but don't feel the need to keep forever.
One of the customers in the bookshop, Annabel, told me about read it swap it. For the cost of postage, you can swap books you have finished with and read new ones.
You list some books, someone wants one, so you look at their list and if there is something you fancy reading, you swap and send each other the books. There's a ratings system similar to ebay to keep track of swapper reliability.
It's cheap, it's green and in my experience the site is well run and the whole experience, pleasant. It is, though, only available to folks in the UK (I assume to keep postage costs low). As far as I can see, there isn't really any other down side, apart from the failure to reduce my book mountain. And don't blame me if you get lost browsing their library...
What an excellent idea. Our bookclub operates a bit like that. Although we sometimes all read the same new book, mostly we just swap books we've read and enjoyed.
Posted by: Gina | 31 March 2009 at 10:17
What a fab idea! I must admit that I've been having one too many Amazon parcels arrive recently and Mr P is starting to give me naughty looks. This will be great though - new books and parcels too. I'll have to give it a go! Thanks for letting us know. x
Posted by: PinkCat | 31 March 2009 at 13:32
Thank you for this information. The US have something called Paperbackswap, but until now, I wasn't aware of anything UK-based. I rarely keep books to read again, so this sounds like a great idea!
Posted by: KarenV | 31 March 2009 at 14:19
I got rid of alot of my books on www.greenmetropolis.com similar kind of idea, I always look to see if books are on there before I buy brand new of the ones I can't get at the library. I must look at this one as well
Posted by: Thimbleina | 31 March 2009 at 14:31
There's also one called BookMooch that is international, though individuals are allowed to note that they will only send within their country. Great concept, though!
Posted by: Wendy | 31 March 2009 at 15:01
I wonder if there is a massive interest out there in military history because ... whisper...I have plans for MrM's book collection.
Posted by: Alice C | 31 March 2009 at 15:30
That's such a good idea, I often finish a really good book, then want a likeminded person to enjoy it too.
Posted by: The Antidote | 31 March 2009 at 16:52
ReadItSwapIt is very addictive. Last year I resolved not to buy any books. I convinced myself that RISI didn't count- my bookshelves didn't agree and are as full as ever!!
Posted by: Ellen | 31 March 2009 at 17:24
How interesting! I've heard of bookmooch in the USA which does the same thing and always seemed like a good idea. I'll definitely be visiting the read it swap it site.
Posted by: litlove | 31 March 2009 at 18:12
Thanks for the reminder Ali - I joined months ago and haven't done a single thing about a swap....my book mountain is of Himalaya proportions!
Posted by: Pebbledash | 31 March 2009 at 18:24
What a great idea! I'm off to browse right now. I might be some time. x
Posted by: Kitty | 31 March 2009 at 18:40
I've used greenmetropolis quite a bit, but I must check that one out too.
And the bookshop! That looks fantastic! Can you move it near here, please?
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 31 March 2009 at 19:03
That is such a good idea, although doesn't solve my problem of creating space if they are then replaced with others! I can't bear to part with books, and have to make myself donate a bag full to the charity shop every so often so we don't disappear under the precarious piles dotted around the house!
Happy reading!
Cathy X
Posted by: pinkgreen | 31 March 2009 at 20:26
It is a good idea, although I do somehow get quite possessive about my books so now only allow myself second hand or library books! A friend recently held a neighbourhood book swap where we all brought along two books and nibbles and swapped titles, a great success!
Posted by: lina | 01 April 2009 at 01:21
Brilliant idea...perhaps this would be a way of avoiding buying more bookshelves....
Posted by: Julia | 01 April 2009 at 11:19
oh no! just as well I read your post... I was half way through to mine about exactly the same thing.
Execpt I gave you the credit for discovering it!!
It's an addiction. I've got more new books to read than sense.
Posted by: monica | 01 April 2009 at 11:22
This sort of thing is great. I prefer Bookmooch (I am in the UK) to readitswapit, because you don't have to find someone who wants your book with a book you also want - you just earn a point for sending your book to someone, which you can then use to get a book from anyone else on the site.
Posted by: Jackie | 01 April 2009 at 20:53