Swimming in Books.
Long before there was Netflix there was Books on Tape, a wonderful service for readers that supplied a huge selection of books for a monthly rental fee, but it went out of the rental business a few years ago, leaving a huge gap for those of us who like to “read” in the car or while we’re doing household chores, or who just enjoy the sound of being read to by skilled professional voices. I, for one, have missed them.
Now, though, there is BookSwim, an online service that rents paperback and hardcover books. Like Netflix, the service allows you to keep the books for as long as you like with no late fees. Once you return it, the next book is on its way to you, with free shipping in 100% recycled bags both ways. The site is also offering digital gift cards starting at $9.95 per month. For every one of these sold, BookSwim will plant a tree to offset the environmental impact of producing paper for books. Check out the site and the selections.
11.25.08
BookSwim saves me time and clutter, and my library's hours are only when I'm at work. I can use BookSwim once I get the kids to bed. It's probably not for everyone, but it's great for me.
11.12.08
I'm with you. Libraries are free and more people should take advantage of them. But the unfortunate fact is that libraries aren't close in to many communities and many are so shortchanged by budget cuts that their offerings are often slim. A service like BookSwim makes books available to those for whom libraries aren't an easy cal.
11.12.08
I guess I don't really understand the need for this, libraries are free.