I love to read and summer seems to be a peak time for people to allocate some of their own time to relaxing on the beach and reading a good book. The problem? – Buying your own books all the time can get pricey!
I think this is a summer where people are trying to save more money than they spend with gas at an all time high. I have a few suggestions on how to save on your summer reading list!
LIBRARY – I loved buying my own books, but recently the library just seems more economically efficient. I go through about 2 books a week, if I bought all of these books it could at up to over $20 per week. I decided there were other things I would rather spend my money on. Also, I realize that once I have read a book, unless I absolutely love it, I never read it again and it just sits around. Sure you can re-sell some of your books, but you lose a significant amount of money…especially on paperbacks. The library is also a great place to get current magazines and newspapers. This will fit into your budget too! Both of these monthly or yearly subscriptions can be expensive so you can save by picking them up at the library instead. If you are not satisfied with the amount of books in your town, often times you can get a guest pass if you know someone with a better library than your own.
BORROW – Some people don’t like library books. They have been handled by so many people and often times may be falling apart. Another great way to get “free” books is to borrow them from a friend. Ask around! Often times many of your friends may have purchased books that you haven’t and won’t mind borrowing them to you. They may also have suggestions on great books that you haven’t heard of.
USED BOOK STORE – If you still feel like you need to purchase your own books, go to a used book store! I visited one close to my house this week and was (1) surprised by the amount of books they had and (2) astonished by the price of the books! Many times, the more books you buy at a used book store, the less they cost you. They also won’t buy book from people that are in poor condition, have cigarette burns, or have that old basement smell. This means that many of the books you get are in great condition and have only been opened once or twice (some have never even been read!). My mum bought 2 hardcover James Patterson books for only $3 and they look brand new!
BARGAIN BOOKS – Okay, after you’ve read through all the other options, if you still feel as though you need to own a brand new book, check out bargain books that are offered at most bookstores (including Barnes and Noble and Borders). These stores offer brand new books for a fairly cheap price (usually around $5 or less depending on the book…obviously some might be more expensive). Although this is not as cheap as a used bookstore, you have the peace of mind knowing your books have never been used. Some people love brand new books (me being one of these people) but I have had to adjust my habits to match my budget.
Seriously, these are great ways to save money but still keep space in your budget and life for reading books this summer! Check out Geezeo here to find out other books that people have suggested or heard about.
Photo: Andrea Church
July 19th, 2008 at 10:46 am
One of my favorite ways to get new books (beyond the library) are the book swapping services of Bookmooch and Paperback Swap where you list your books and exchange them with other users. Essentially all it costs is the postage to send your books, no cost in receiving them. Through these services I’ve managed rid myself of a great deal of books I didn’t want to keep as well as snag some out of print and hard to find ones.