I have had two paperback books chewed up by the post office that I have mailed within the last three weeks!  Both were wrapped well with the lable as the only wrapping and almost completely covered in packing tape.  I have mailed oodles of books this way with no problems but it seems something is up.  Anyone else having problems with the books being literally teared to shreads?

Nope - I mailed out 5 books last week and they were all received with no problems mentioned.  I try to use bubble mailers and reinforce that with packaging tape as well.  All mailed as Media Mail which goes through the NDC network - and yes the mechanized sorters in those facilities can be very rough on items.

I would call your post office and talk to them about it. They could look into a new sorting machine nearby that needs some adjustment.

What Melanie said.  I've seen no recent increase in Media Maul...other than oversize manilla envelopes, those always receive special attention from the Sampsonite Gorilla working at USPS sorting centers.

I've had an increase with media maul on my books lately. Most were poorly wrapped, so I was not surprised, but one was in a Priority Mail flat rate envelope, and was not oversized or overstuffing the envelope, and the envelope was still torn in multiple places.

Just today I got back the label from a package of books I sent back in March. 2 textbooks(one hardcover, and the paperback student guide) The books were wrapped in plastic, then taped together, and then wrapped in 2 layers of craft paper(the kind that I've seen recommended on here) The paper with the label attached has been ripped to shreds. The books went "lost" but the receiver does have the freebie(the student guide) listed on her bookshelf, so I'm guessing they were received?!

I did send the books media mail.

I'm still suprised that craft paper is still being recommended.  I have never received an UNdamaged wrapper that consisted of craft paper.  They are always at least a little bit torn.  Usually a LOT torn.  Craft paper is NOT moisture-friendly.  The least little drop of water will cause a weak spot.  Craft paper is also not abrasion-resistant, so corners are usually the first to go.  I know most of us wrap the books in plastic wrap, but if the label attached to the outer craft paper wrapping is gone, all the plastic wrap in the county won't help.  For one paperback book, use the printer paper and plenty of tape.  Printer paper is a little more abrasion-resistant and slightly more moisture-friendly.

A really great wrapper is the shipping plastic that you might have from items you bought through mail-order.  This is way stronger than any kind of paper.

I had had several that were only wrapped in the pbs wrapper that have been torn lately. However, the books were not damaged. 

  Thank heavens for all you plastic wrap senders--- I have rec'd 3 packages recently with rain damage on outer package, but books have all

been saved by the interior plastic wrapping!  I was beginning to think all the mail to IL was going thru the Nashville flood!