With money tight these days -- many are finding it hard to spend on entertainment. But there is a way to get books, movies and c-d's for less.

Try www.paperbackswap.com for books. Think of it a little like an online lending library -- where you trade books with people all over the country.

Here's how it works. First you register -- then list any books you want to give away. When someone orders one of your books -- you wrap it up and pay for postage to mail it to them.

Every time a member requests one of your books -- you get a credit. And you can use that credit to get a book from anywhere on the site. I had two credits -- so I tried it out.

I ordered "Little Women" and "A Time to Kill." Remember, there's no charge -- because the sender pays postage. Then, i waited for them to arrive in the mail.

"Little Women" came in 11 days. "A Time to Kill" took longer -- I got it after 16 days. So, you don't have control over how soon you get the book. But, the site will not give the sender credit or cash in your credit unless you tell them you got it without any problems.

And this isn't just for books. You can actually swap your CD's or DVD's instead of buying them new -- so you don't waste your money.

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