Book lovers know how quickly the cost of new books adds up. One shopping trip can take a huge bite out of the monthly budget. The best and most obvious way to save money on books is to use the public library, but what about for those people who want to add to their own personal libraries? There are ways to buy books for less. Here is a list of ways to save money on books:
Library Sales and Used Book Stores
1. Most public libraries host regular book sales as fund raisers. These may be ongoing events or may be scheduled once or twice a year. Library sales are a wonderful way to buy cheap books while contributing to a worthwhile cause. To find out when libraries are holding sales, call and ask for an events calendar or visit their websites. Don’t overlook college and university libraries.
2. Check out second hand or used book stores. Get to know the owners and make them aware of specific interests. These are typically small shops where the sellers are more than willing to contact customers if books arrive that fit a particular niche or interest- say bird watching or screenwriting.
Buy Used Books Online and at Thrift Stores
3. Buy used books online. A new hardcover book that sells for more than sixteen dollars when first released will often be available for half that amount within a few months. Some of these used books are in like new condition.
4. Consider buying books in lots. Sellers often list books in lots of five, ten, or more at a reduced cost. While buying a lot of five thrillers might make the price of each book considerably less, this is only a bargain if one indeed wants to read all the books.
5. Don’t overlook thrift stores, yard sales and moving sales. Books are relatively heavy and take up a good bit of space, so it isn’t unusual for people to periodically cull their shelves and donate or sell unwanted books.
Book Swapping
6. Avid readers might find it worthwhile to start a book blog where they post reviews of new books. Many publishers offer advanced reader’s copies of forthcoming books to bloggers in exchange for a review of the book. LibraryThing is free to join and hosts a program for early reviewers.
7. People who enjoy being a part of an online community might consider joining PaperBackSwap where members trade books. The same principle could be applied to a group of local friends who meet monthly over coffee to swap books with each other.
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