At this point the cost of shipping is going to push me off this site. Been a member since 09 when it was less than $2... but this is crazy. It's cheaper to buy my wishlist books on ebay than to send a book to a friend on PBS and use the credit!

Yeah, media mail shipping isn't like it used to be, right? I wasn't bothered by the adoption of membership fees, especially when I can trade some credits for it via the Book Bazzaar, but the media postage now has made me more selective on when and how many books I mail. It's taken the shine off of swapping books somewhat.

It certainly has.

Yes,  I mailed two yesterday and it was $9. 

That was the main reason I hesitated renewing my membership this year.  PBS needs to change the price of selling our credits to $4 since it costs more than that to mail a book now.

I hesitated too about renewing membership this year, Adrienne. This year more so than previous years.

Yes, I agree with you Adrienne. That would be more agreeable.

Do we have to mail via media mail? If I bring it to the post office, can I request 1st class instead, or is that against the rules?

You can mail anyway you want but a book doesn't meet the requirements for first class mail as it would be considered a package and go USPS Ground Advantage and starts at $5 for 4 ounces and $8 to $9 for a pound depending on the region. Two pounds will be $8.95 to $15.70 depending on the region as there are 9 zones. Media Mail is shipped at a loss to USPS so usually the cheapest option. I've gotten books Priority and through UPS though. It just depends on the shipper. 

I have been on this site for a very long time and due to the most recent post office increases I just have decided to stop posting my books here. I have many credits and have let my bookshelf get low. Many of the books I am finding at the thrift store are on many wish lists here, so I was posting them but at $4.87 I am done. Planning on looking at it next month when I have some time and just donate the books I have and hope that some of the books I requested eventually get to me. Often I find them in my local thrift shop for $3 before they get off my wait list. 

Media mail shipping is going up by 10% in mid July......

Yeah, the site is falling apart now. I've stopped waiting for wishlist books and started ordering them. Funny thing is, it's actually cheaper to order them from eBay than sending a book for credit.