Cheap books – something I’m always on the lookout for! With the amount of reading that goes on around here, we are always in need of books. Some of these are total no brainers but I’m listing them anyway because it’s easy to forget about them. Here’s how we keep from breaking the bank while continuing to add to our home library:
- Paperback Swap – A website where you can basically trade books with other members. You offer books that you have and are willing to mail to other members and you search for and request books that you want from other members. This site is awesome and I use it all the time! You pay postage to send a book to someone else (it usually costs me around $3) and get credit for it. When you find a book that you want, you use your credit and the other member pays the postage to send it to you.
- Thrift stores – I stumbled upon a half price day at Goodwill and walked out of the store with a bunch of books I had been looking for for super cheap. Of course, you never know what you’ll find, but I was amazed at the books I found in great condition.
- Kids consignment sales – We have awesome kids consignment sales around here and there is always a huge selection of books. I always make sure to check out the book section for treasures!
- Target – My kids each get to pick out a new book at the beginning of summer. We go to Target because they can get a new book for less than $5 – it’s not super cheap, but not bad for a brand new book.
- Free Kindle Books – I love a real book in my hands. But you can get a lot of free Kindle ebooks. I search on Amazon for “free kindle books” and the list is huge. You can also find limited offers that are items only offered free for a limited time.
- Used bookstores – Finding a used bookstore in your area is one of those no brainer ideas. They can sometimes still be expensive but will still be better than paying full price for a brand new book.
- Used book sales – They may or may not be going on in your area, but do a search online for local used book sales – in our area, the library does a big sale where they sell off old library books. If you find one that is an annual thing, it will be something you can put on your calendar and count on every year as a great way to stock up.
- Ebay – I haven’t used eBay in a long time. But I have gotten some great book finds, particularly when I was looking for a specific book. It can be easy to get carried away and end up spending more than you wanted. So give yourself a cap on the amount you’re willing to spend on a particular book before you start bidding.
- Family and friends – When people know you love books you might be surprised what comes your way. My in-laws are downsizing and just sent a bunch of books our way. My mother-in-law wasn’t going to be keeping them so instead of donating them somewhere she thought to send them our way. Yea!!
My stack of unread books is dwindling so it’s time I start adding to my library again. Although, I did promise myself I would read some of my e-books first. While I love the e-book option, a good paper book will always be my favorite! So, if you have other suggestions for ways to help me continue to add to my home library, I’d love to hear them!
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