Free Book Exchange with BookMooch.com

When it comes to finding the next book to read, most of us make a trip to Barnes & Noble to scour the new releases,
head over to the library to view the selection, or jump online to Amazon.com to read up on the latest recommendations. Although the library is a great place to find books at no cost, Amazon.com has created a portal to used books that makes owning books easier than ever. From wishlists to checking out snippets online on Google Book Search, it's easier than ever to find valuable reading at your fingertips.

Still, many of us need the book-in-hand experience. There's nothing like turning the pages of a real book, and setting it atop your bookshelf when you're all done. When you're antsy to grow your book collection without an impact on your entertainment budget, BookMooch.com may be the answer you've been looking for.

BookMooch.com offers a unique online service; simply list your book as available, and let other users find it. If somebody in England wants your copy, they simply request to 'Mooch' it from you, and you ship it out. What's in it for you? BookMoochers get points for each book they get for the masses, and can use the points to get books of their own. Think of it as a low-cost barter system; you're only paying for postage.

Trading books online is similar in format to the Netflix program for DVDs. BookMooch.com is free to use, so there's no subscription fee or upfront payment required on requested books. Each book you receive 'costs' 1 point, while each book sent gives you 1 point. As a BookMoocher, you can earn more points for shipping out of the country; 3 points are exchanged for international orders to accommodate for postage costs.

BookMoochers can rate fellow moochers with a feedback score, as well as getting in touch via e-mail. The network is a great way to find and explore new books with limited effort. BookMoochers can even cash in points to donate to charity, including public libraries and children's hospitals.

So how does BookMooch.com make any money? The site does link up to Amazon.com's inventory in case someone might want to purchase the book itself. Otherwise, BookMoochers can enjoy the freedom of exchanging and finding books on their book wish list. If they decide to keep the book, it's theirs. When it's ready to leave the house after a spring cleaning episode, the BookMoocher lists it on the site and makes it available.

The process is simple, and features a great way to exchange a simple item with interested parties at low cost. The web is a hotbed of opportunity for bartering, exchanging, and selling goods on the marketplace today; although there's still no such thing as a free lunch, a low-cost book on your reading list may be the next best thing!