10.26.2006

A New Life for Old Books

If you're like me then you hate to get rid of books. I keep books that I'll never read again, just because I can't bear the thought of getting rid of them. Lets think about my options.

Sell them to a used book store. I've never liked shopping at a used book store. I get this orphanage vibe. It's like all these books weren't good enough and now they sit on the shelves hoping someone, someday will pity them and buy one. I don't want my books to end up there.

Give them to the library. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the library has enough books already. In fact I have it from a very good source that if they don't need your book it gets "recycled" or worse! Again, I don't want that to happen to my books.

Give them away. I'm sorry, but pushing books onto family and friends is not my idea of a good time. Especially since I probably didn't like the book to begin with.
Me: Hey I think you'll like this book. In fact, just keep it.
Friend: Oh, cool. So it's good, eh?
Me: No not really, but I don't want it anymore. So you take it.
Friend: You're a jerk, and I hate you.
See! Not a good scenario.

Finally, the internet has come to my rescue. BookMooch.com

At BookMooch you type in some books you want to give away. People email you to request your books. When you send your books you receive points. You then use your points to get books you want from others. It's really easy, and best of all your books go to people that actually want them. In fact they've been waiting and hoping to get them. That feels pretty good.

So clear out some of those old books that you'll never open again, and get some new books that you've been wanting. It's great fun.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you're back in business Lew. At first I thought you were experimenting with a new format. It was a bold move, in my opinion. Good to learn it was all a mix up.
Now, just keep updating the blog (more than once every 2 months).
Give Betsy a squeeze for me.
Whit