Less Books for More

In my ongoing attempt to simplify my life, yesterday I did round two of clearing off my bookshelves. Round one was easy because it was those books I couldn't even convince myself I would ever read again (or ashamedly, ever had). Round two was different, it was filled with many books I very much enjoyed reading many years ago and which I had the intention of reading again, but I had carried that intention for many years, but never took it out and did anything with it. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions and I don't know about that, but I know it it will bow your bookshelves.

These books were too good for Goodwill. These were some of my beloved tomes. I could give them away, but I really know very few people who read. I had heard about paperbackswap.com through a minimalist blog that I enjoy so I decided to give it a try.

The concept is that you post books that you are willing to give away. Other people request these books. You send them the books and your account receives 1 credit. With 1 credit you can then request a book be sent to you. You're responsible for postage when you send a book out, but not when you request one. So for $2-$5 each you can swap out those books that you never read for ones you might.

I know that there are two objections to this. First, it does nothing to simplify my life. At a one-to-one exchange I'm not getting rid of any of my stuff. But I am exchanging stuff that is dull and lifeless to me for things that may be interesting and engaging.  Second, what about public libraries? You don't have to pay postage to check out a book from a library. I will still use public libraries (love them in fact) but this seemed like an interesting idea and I thought I would give it a test run and let people know how it went. Plus, just for posting 10 books, you automatically recieve 2 free credits, which is the equivelent of two free books!  Score!

Last night I posted 12 books and received my two free credits. Almost right away 9 of my books were matched with other members "wish lists" and I received confirmation emails telling me to send them out. So tonight I sent out the six that were confirmed at a cost of around $22. Now I'll have to trust that the other members mark their accounts when the books are delivered. Then I'll have the big problem of what books to request (suggestions welcome). 

I came home and used my two free credits.  We'll see how long it takes for them to arrive.