Book trades Facebook group creates new outlets

The latest craze circling Texas A&M International University students is not found on campus but none other than on Facebook. The TAMIU Book Trades is what Dustdevils are raving about. The online group page can be found on Facebook, but you have to be invited by a member of the page to join the group.  The page was created in Spring 2013 by former TAMIU student Luis Garza to give students an open platform where they could simply buy, sell, or trade old textbooks from current or previous semesters.

Although the page was started for the purpose to sell or exchange books there is so much that it has to offer. Students of TAMIU create posts on the page pertaining to lost ids, pin drives, debit cards, wallets, keys, books, and even electronics of found items. Countless success stories have resulted because of these posts. Dustdevils also use the page as a support group, constantly uploading memes to make others laugh. They also use the page to see which classes they recommended to one another.

Priscilla Lineros, senior at TAMIU noted, “I love the group page. I had lost my debit card and luckily someone found it and posted a post on the page. They covered my card number, of course. I was completely grateful for the person who took the time to post it on the page. Thanks to the page I have also taken classes with awesome professors that other students have recommended. During midterms and finals, I can count on the page for a good laugh because of all the memes that are posted about exams.”

Nevertheless, certain posts have been made referring to how the page has lost its purpose. They find posts that have nothing to do with selling or trading books to be useless. Garza however feels completely different, he stated, “I believe the page is being used for far much more now and I am looking for any suggestions for changes that need to be made. I am glad people found a place where they could interact and connect with each other, which I feel is something that Laredo is lacking when it comes to college and university life.”

The TAMIU Book Trade page can be found on Facebook.

For more information contact Louie Canela at luiscanela@dusty.tamiu.edu