So I mail all of my books from a local bank right down the street that also functions as a post office, although they buy the postage from USPS and sell it to the public, so they aren't actually THE post office.  Anyway, a few weeks ago I went in (and they know me as the Media Mail girl) and the clerk that always helps me said, "Hey, did you know that you can send these cheaper via Library mail?"  She said she had just gone to a course teaching them the proper ways to use postage & that library mail is specifically for books & media mail more for CDs and DVDs.  Anyway, the savings was only a few cents between Library & Media mail so I said, "Sure.  Send it library mail."  I've not had anything returned to me so I assume it's legit.  I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this and if so, why is PBS still using Media Mail?  Hmmmmm....

Library mail is supposed to be TO/FROM the library. It has a different rate than regular Media Mail & could get your mail returned to sender for misusing the service.

Edit to include: http://www.usps.com/prices/library-mail-prices.htm

 

Special prices for items sent to, from, or between educational organizations and museums.

• Service for shipping on loan from or mailed between academic institutions, public libraries, museums, and other qualified organizations.
• Content is limited to books, sound recordings, academic theses, and certain other items.
• Prices based on weight.

IIRC my PO said that's mostly a defunct rate, and although very efficient and knowledgeable they have never suggested sending my PBS books via Library Rate....you may wish to check on that.

I work as a window clerk/retail assoc. at the USPS.

What Jennifer from Ca. posted is correct.  Library mail is only to be used my libraries, school/university libraires, etc.  It is not for the public.

Media mail is for public use.  It will go 4th class mail.  Alway's by truck/ground, for that reason, depending on where it is being mailed from and to, it can take up to 7-9 days.

It can only be used for books, videos, dvd's, vcr tapes, music albums/records, video tape.

It cannot have any other items included with it.

Unlike first class/priority mail, it CAN be opened for inspection.  If it is found not to be suitable for Media class, it will be returned to the sender, marked postage due.

When EBAY was first up and running, mailers got wind of the fact that Media mail was the least expensive class of mail and strted sending anything that way and suggesting it on websites to others. 

This habit was eventually nipped in the bud, when mailers had there items returned to them and Repeat offenders were fined.

Any questions about mailing via USPS, I will be  glad to help you with.

CAJM-a fellow "printed word" junkie:)

Well that answers why library rates are still published but my postal clerks don't discuss it with me....I'm not a library *but don't tell hubby*!!