If you like many teachers out there, are in need of low cost materials for either your classroom or your own professional development, you may want to consider online book trading. Book swap websites such at Zunafish, Paperback Swap, Book Mooch, and Frugal Reader offer members the ability to swap books with others.
Most of these websites work on a point system. Readers receive points by offering their books for trade. The points are used to find new books they really need. Most programs will allow readers to find new and relevant material for the low cost of postage.
Book Mooch is a great place to start your investigation into book swapping. Register your library or school as a non-profit and you’ll be eligible for donated credits! That means you won’t even need to offer your own book for trade.
Each of these websites also features an expansive reader community where teachers, students, and many others engage in lively discussions of the books, the ideas, and ways to use the literature in the classroom.
You may want to start your search for low cost books at the following websites.
Free membership and free trades for the cost of postage:
http://www.paperbackswap.com
http://www.bookmooch.com
http://www.frugalreader.com (also offers an upgraded membership for a small fee)
Low per trade fees:
http://www.zunafish.com/ ($1 per trade)
