Wrapping your Book(s):

You are not required to use the PBS wrapper.  You can use alternate packaging for any shipment, and use the 1-page PBS Label (the far right layout choice on the Wrapper Settings page) as an address label. You can also hand-write the address on your package.  Here are the options for how to wrap a book so that it is carried safely to its destination, and arrives in the same condition as it was when it left you!

The 2-page PBS Wrapper:

• Works well for single paperbacks, or even two small books packaged together
• See the tutorial on how to use the 2-page PBS Wrapper here.
• If you have a larger or heavy book, or a multiple-book shipment to send, the 2-page PBS Wrapper alone will not provide sturdy enough packaging on its own to protect your book(s) en route.  You will need to use alternate packaging methods. 

The 1-page PBS "Label"

• Cannot be used alone to wrap a book
• Is intended for use as an address label on alternate packaging (ie, for multiple-book shipments)

Alternate Packaging:

• Suggestions for alternate packaging materials:

• • Heavy brown paper (NB if you use a cut-down grocery sack, you should use DOUBLE LAYER since that paper is recycled and can be a little soft)
  • Manila envelope
    • tape it down tightly around the book(s) to prevent "flaps" that can get caught in postal machinery
  • Bubble or padded mailer
  • Tyvek or similar large envelope
    • tape it down tightly around the book(s) to prevent "flaps" that can get caught in postal machinery
  • Box
    • prevent your books from sliding around inside with crumpled paper (NOT newspaper--the ink can mark the books!) or (clean) plastic shopping bags, balled up.
• Poor choices for alternate packaging materials:
  • Giftwrapping paper (too thin)
  • Newspaper (can smudge ink onto the books)
  • Priority mail materials (this is illegal to use for MediaMail, even if you are reusing the materials, and even if you turn it inside out!)
    • if you do this, and the package is inspected, it will arrive postage-due at the requestor's, or be returned postage-due to you (the additional postage required will be the difference between postage paid and Priority Mail rate)

General Guidelines for wrapping:

• Your book(s) must be completely enclosed in the wrapping

• Use plenty of tape (2" shipping tape, not Scotch)
  • especially at the corners and seams.
  • You can get shipping tape at any store that sells stationery or shipping supplies.
  • Do not apply tape directly to the book! This can damage the book when the package is opened.
    • If you apply tape directly to the book and it is then damaged when the package is opened, you will not receive a credit.
  • Do not tape over postage stamps (USPS does not accept this)
  • Do not apply postage stamps to tape (they can fall off)
  • It is okay to apply clear tape over the barcode if you are sending a package with Printable Postage
    • If you do this, avoid wrinkles in the tape that can interfere with barcode scanning
• Make sure that all flaps and folds, on whatever type of wrapping you use, are secured tightly to your package.
  • It is easy for flaps or folds that are not secured to get snagged by sorting machines in the USPS system, and this can cause damage to (or loss of) your book.
• Consider using an inner layer of plastic
  • You can use Saran Wrap, or clean plastic grocery bags, or any kind of clean plastic material
  • please do not use "Press and Seal". This product contains some type of glue that sticks to the books.
    • If you wrap your book in this and it is then damaged when the package is opened, you will not receive a credit.
    • If you get a book that was wrapped using Press-and-Seal, a product called Goo-Gone will remove the residue from the book cover.

If you receive a book that you think was inadequately wrapped

• We ask that you give gentle feedback to the sender, to help him or her improve wrapping technique.
• Doing this not only helps the sender, but also all the future members she or he swaps with, and is a service to the Club as a whole.
• There are many options for wrapping a book. Everyone needs to experiment a little, to find the method that works best for him or her!

Related Links:

Wrapping Larger/Hardcover/Multiple Books
How to Print the PBS Wrapper
Can I hand-write the address to send a book?
How much does it cost to mail a book?
How to Respond to a Request
Getting/Printing the Address to send a Book
Mailing your Book(s)