The current state of the economy has left many students dead bolting their piggy banks. Being strapped for cash, they are turning into coupon-clipping, bargain-hunting machines. No need to be ashamed. Frugal is in. But if economic woes are impeding your shopping skills, check out Montage Literary Journal’s Book Swap, where you can get you shopping on, for cheap.

The swap is a fundraiser put on by Montage, a student-run publication that features work by students: short stories, poetry, photography, and illustrations. A $2 admission fee will help provide refreshments during the swap as well as help cover the cost of publishing the journal. “It costs about $1000-$2000 to pay for publishing,” said Jeff Brandt, senior in LAS and editor-in-chief for Montage. “The journal is free for students, so this is just one way to help pay for it.”

Although you may be wondering how a book swap will relieve your shopping urges, don’t let the name deceive you. “You don’t have to bring just books to swap,” said Jeff Brandt. “Bring CDs, DVDs, clothes-pretty much anything you want.”

Students can bring in anything they would like trade other students for and put their haggling skills to the test. There will a couple tables if students want to set up, but there is no strict organization. “People can just come and trade,” said Jeff Brandt. “This makes it more of a social gathering.”

The swap will take place on April 1st, from 4-7p.m. in the Atrium of the English Building. It’s a perfect opportunity to get trade in that unread book that’s been accumulating dust or the lamp in your living room that your roommate uses as a coat hanger. “Bring what you have,” said Jeff Brandt. “Who knows what you’ll come home with?”