It’s no secret that I think reading is an incredible hobby. Unfortunately, reading can also be an incredibly expensive hobby. New release books cost about $20 and paperback copies of older releases can still be $10-$15 if bought new from a bookstore. Let’s not even talk about the price of eReaders/tablets and $5-$10 per eBook.
That’s why I’m going to give my readers five ways they can save money when buying books. This list will focus on procuring physical copy books, but there is one small tip for those who prefer eBooks.
First, let’s start with the most obvious solution…
Libraries
Okay, okay… you probably already visit your local public library to check out all the latest tomes. However, libraries can be so much more than checking out books. Some public libraries are also a good source for cheap used books. Others may provide a station to bring in old paperbacks (especially romance novels) and trade them out for “new” (to you anyway) ones. Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten that many libraries now offer eBook check outs, allowing patrons to “visit” their branch and download books to their Kindles or iPads without ever leaving home.
One big tip for those whose local library is less than stellar: if you are willing to travel a little bit, some libraries will let out-of-county residents get a library card for an annual fee. While this may seem to be an extreme measure, the benefits can be worth it. My wife and I personally have a membership with a library an hour away from us. However, this allows us access to one of the biggest book collections in the state, an incredible eBook selection, a large Blu-Ray/DVD library, a music streaming service, six free song downloads a week (permanent, legal downloads!), and even a movie streaming service. Sometimes, those extra fees and gas can be more economical in the end.
If the local library isn’t enough, maybe another kind of “Library” can help…
Little Free Libraries
If you haven’t seen one of these wonders pop up in your area, you probably soon will. The Little Free Library movement is sweeping the country (and the world), promoting “literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.” People, possibly in your neighborhood, are building and displaying book receptacles, filling them with their own personal collection. Would-be patrons are encouraged to come and browse these collections and take home a new favorite. The only “catch” is that you must leave behind a book for someone else to enjoy.
If free books aren’t enough to draw you to a Little Free Library, perhaps their artistic and social value will. Not only does the movement encourage social action and participation, each Library’s creator puts his/her own artistic spin to it. Some make their boxes look like barns or old-time schoolhouses, while others paint and decorate them with imagery from novels. One in Macon, GA is even done to look like the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Doctor Who!
To find a Little Free Library in your area, learn more about building one for your community, or to just learn more about the movement, please visit the official website here.
Next, we discuss any bargain hunter’s favorite spot…
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores have long been one of the best places to find cheap, used goods. I know I have spent many an hour in a local Goodwill store looking through books, hoping to find a hidden classic. While selection quality will vary from location to location, there is no denying that visiting one of these Fortresses of the Frugal will net one a healthy sum of books for an even healthier bottom line.
However, one of the best tips I can give is to actually avoid Goodwill and Salvation Army. Everyone knows that these places have cheap books, which means they are also going to be the most picked over. Instead, check for smaller, independent thrift shops in your area. A personal favorite for me and the wife is Pick of the Litter in Barnwell, SC. We visit all the time and are always wowed by the selection available. And the prices! When we went in to take these pictures, the store was having an amazing sale. We were able to get everything in this basket (and more after the photo was taken) for less than $5!
The best part about local thrift stores? You know exactly where the money is going. While Goodwill and other large thrift store chains skim a lot of the earnings to pay executive wages, local thrift stores usually donate to local causes. For example, Pick of the Litter donates to local no-kill animal shelters.
However, if you are determined to buy books that are brand new, there is one way to save…
Discount Stores
While big box stores like Walmart and Target will discount books slightly when compared to Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, the only true discount stores are places like Big Lots and Ollie’s. Sure, you won’t get the freshest new release at either of these stores, but you can find a good selection of popular authors if you are willing to do a little digging.
On my and my wife’s recent trip to Ollie’s, we were able to find titles from Stephen King, Kathy Reichs, Nora Roberts, John Grisham, Janet Evanovich, Philippa Gregory, and several other popular authors. Most fiction titles were $5 or less and there was also a wide variety of self-help, religious, and non-fiction titles. If you have one of these stores in your area, it is definitely worth checking out.
Lastly, if all other saving methods fail, there is always an old fashioned method…
Book Swaps
Whether a simple agreement between friends or a whole group dedicated to regular meets, book swaps are still a viable way to get new reading material cheap. Also, book swaps have the bonus of person-to-person interaction. It allows swappers to discuss their likes, dislikes, and preferred method of reading among other topics. Plus, it allows you to expose yourself to new genres and authors with little risk. The person you swap with might be interested in trying one of your mystery novels, giving you the chance to try one of their science fiction stories they always rave about.
I hope you enjoyed my five ways to save money on books and found it helpful. If you have any tips on how to save some green when reading, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
Note: I was not paid, nor did I receive compensation via product or discounts, for this post. All opinions are my own.
These are some awesome tips. I love reading and often shop at thrift stores to find old books.. Recently, I discovered Amazon Kindle’s subscription. I pay 9.99 every month and I get to check out as many kindle books as I want for the month. Although, you can only have 10 out at a time. All you have to do is exchange the book for the one you want. This way you can try it out without the commitment of purchasing. It has save me alot of time and trips to the library.
I love to read and save money. I usually swap books at the library and I try to participate when the Friends of the Library have their yearly sale.
I don’t read, but my husband does. He goes to the library at least once a week for a handful of new books.
I always go to the library now because we’re limited on space. However, I used to love to hit the thrift stores for treasures.
Thanks for the great tips. I’ve been a long time thrift store and discount book shopper, but I’ve never heard of these little libraries before. That’s the cutest idea!
I am not a reader but my husband is. I’ve heard about those free little library things. I’ve never seen one but my neighborhood wants to start one. I think it would be very fun!
These are great ideas! My kids love reading, as do I! But I usually hit up the local thrift stores for books and we do go to the library often! I haven’t ever seen those free little libraries. That is really amazing. I would love to put one up somewhere myself but sadly in my area it would be ruined and destroyed probably fairly quickly. I will be keeping my eyes peeled to see if I see any pop up in the city!
Libraries are one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours. My boys love going to story time, playing with the library toys, and picking out books to bring home. It is great that my library also lends out e-books so I can use my Kindle to read a great book without worrying about returning a book on time. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
These are great tips. My son really enjoys reading. I like the idea of doing a book swap with friends and family.
Little Free Libraries are popping up EVERYWHERE, aren’t they? I’m still a big fan of the book swap, especially before I head on a vacation or a long trip.
What fabulous ideas! Books can get so expensive. I love seeing the little houses full of books in neighborhoods.
I love the idea of Little Free libraries. I definitely take advantage of both thrift stores, and libraries.
These are all great ideas. I always visit the thrift store to purchase new titles for my children and now that school is almost out for the summer, this is a great time to do just that!
There is a little free library at the playground just minutes from our house. We love taking books there and exchanging for something my boys have never read.
I love that little house for swapping books idea. I’m assuming you already know about Paperbackswap.com. I was expecting to see you mention it in this post. It’s another great resource for getting books you want now at just the cost of sending a book in the mail in exchange (which if you use media mail is less than $3.00.)
These are great tips. We love to look threw all the books at the thrift stores. The Library is a favorite place of mine.
Great tips… I love little free libraries and our girls and I enjoy trading books when we spot one along our routes. Thrift stores are also near and dear to me… fabulous places!
These are all great ideas. I can find a ton of great books in thrift stores!
I haven’t seen the little free library yet, but expect to soon. I love to read and have had to seriously limit my passion for books. Ereaders are just not the same. I hit the thrift stores for paperbooks, also.
I love to pick up books at Thrift stores when we travel. I have donated them when we are traveling so as not to fly them back. I have not seen the free library before that is an amazing idea!
I haven’t yet seen the The Little Free Library around here, but one of the parks has a lending library during certain hours where you can read a book while you are there, it just sucks if you can’t finish it all in that one sitting because if you go back on another day and someone has it you are SOOL.
These are great ideas to save money on books and you’re so right, books ARE expensive. If I go to my local book store they charge me an arm and a leg for books. I usually get books for my son in charity shops now, I find really great bargains and then I donate them back once we’re done with them. The little free library is such a lovely idea 🙂
I love reading and I love books! however, I like to keep my books! I don’t want to give them to anyone, hahaha These are some great tips though! My mostly gives me all my books after she reads them and then I get to keep them! Currently I am reading Still Alice. Seriously such an awesome book!!! =D Thank you so much for sharing!! Now I want to go book shopping!!! Hahaha
We love going to the library for books! My oldest has their own card too!
My favorite ways to save money on books are definitely thrift stores and libraries. I love the idea of the Little Free Library!
My favorite way to get books is through paperbackswap.com, which gives yoi book credits when you mail a book to another member. My next favorite way is shopping the bargain shelved at Mardel. They are priced a slow as $1 per book.
We LOVE our local library, especially during the summer! School just ended this week so we’re looking forward to our first summer trip to the library!
I have always been a book lover. The smell, the feel… nothing like a good book to take you away for a bit! I wish more places had the little library boxes available!
The Little Library is a great find. Thanks for bringing this up. I may have to figure out if there are any in my area. I am a huge fan of book swaps. Sad part, I never like to part with my books. I have a library full of books I’ve had for years. And I keep adding to the library year after year. Like you, I am a book nut. While I have begun reading a book or two digitally, I am still very much a paper gal.
I may start a Little Free Library in my neighborhood. My friends and family knows our love of books so we get a lot of our books as gifts.
All great suggestions. I look for the freebies ebooks from bookhub. Those help, too!
I wish we had little libraries here! I have yet to find one in my area
I get such a good use out of my library card. Don’t know what I’d do without it.
I’m so happy that I was able to “research” this post alongside you! Of course, by research, I totally mean buy myself lots of new books to read! 😉
Great ideas. I love to read and have been lucky finding great ones from authors directly and the library.
The dollar store has become my bff when it comes to books. So many great choices and current editions can be found there. I didn’t know about the LFL it is so cite and such a great idea. I do hope ppl take it seriously and leave behind and item.
These are great tips! Perfect for summer reading and stocking up on great books!