See how to save money on books as a bookworm on a budget.
As a book lover and fellow budget-conscious reader, I understand the passion for books and the desire to indulge in captivating stories without overspending. Books transport us to different worlds, inspire our imagination, and provide endless hours of entertainment. However, building a library of beloved reads can sometimes strain our wallets.
That’s why I’m excited to share some practical tips on how to save money on books while still enjoying a fulfilling reading experience. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a parent on a tight budget, there are various strategies we can explore together to ensure that our love for reading doesn’t become a financial burden.
How to Save Money on Books: Reading on a Budget
In this blog post, we’ll delve into different ways to make the most of your reading budget, from exploring cost-effective formats like e-books to discovering hidden gems in second-hand bookstores. I’ll share my personal experiences and tips that have helped me build an enriching library without compromising my financial goals.
Because, after all, finding joy in reading should not come at the expense of our hard-earned money.
So, if you’re eager to unlock the world of literature without breaking the bank, let’s embark on this budget-friendly reading journey together. By the end of this post, I hope you’ll feel equipped with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the enchanting world of books without putting a strain on your finances. Remember, there are always exciting adventures waiting within the pages of a book, and with a little creativity and resourcefulness, we can make our reading dreams a reality without worrying about our budget constraints. Happy reading!
Is Buying Books an Expensive Hobby?
The short answer is yes. Buying books is an expensive hobby. This can be especially true when you start collecting special editions, subscribing to book boxes, and purchasing the newest books on the market.
The love of books is immeasurable, but it is true that buying new books regularly can add up and become an expensive hobby. Hardcover editions, often released first, can come with a premium price tag, while paperback versions might offer more affordability but still accumulate expenses over time.
As fellow budget-conscious readers, we need to be mindful of the potential impact on our finances when building our book collections. It’s essential to consider the costs of different book formats and explore more economical alternatives to stay within our budget while enjoying our reading passion.
How Can I Read Books for Less Money?
Reading doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. Bookworms on a budget can find many ways to save money on books, and you just have to look.
No matter what genre you read, you can find book deals and used books and grow your library while sticking to your budget.
Where Can I Get Cheap Books?
If you are a bookworm, you have seen targeted ads for places selling cheap books. There are many ways to save money on books, but you need to make sure you buy from a reputable source.
Many sites are scams, and you should avoid them at all costs. Remember that if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
However, the shops on this list are all completely secure and legitimate places to buy inexpensive books. I have purchased from them multiple times and have always been extremely happy with my purchases.
Book Outlet
Book Outlet is a fantastic place to shop brand new books for cheap.
These are typically overstock books that, for some reason, can’t be sold in traditional stores. This means the books *can* have slight imperfections, but I have never had a significant issue or noticed any real difference between my Book Outlet books and my books from other stores.
They have an extensive selection of discounted books. They carry every genre, from fantasy and sci-fi to non-fiction and children’s books.
You can find new books for up to 70% off. And with regular sales and discounts, you will surely find great deals on your favorite books. You can save $5 off your $25 order when you shop through this link.
ThriftBooks
ThrifBooks is a used book lovers online paradise.
They have an incredible selection of used books at incredibly low prices. You can find everything from classic novels to popular bestsellers to rare gems. And with their commitment to sustainability, you can feel good about shopping there knowing that you’re helping to reduce waste.
One of the things I love most about ThriftBooks is its rewards program. Every time you make a purchase, you earn points that can be redeemed for free books. The more you shop, the more points you earn, and the more free books you can get. It’s a great way to save money on books and build your library.
So if you’re looking for a great place to find affordable books, I highly recommend checking out ThriftBooks.com. With their amazing selection, commitment to sustainability, and fantastic rewards program, you will surely find everything you’re looking for.
Books a Million
Books-A-Million, fondly known as BAM!, has long been a haven for book lovers. Originating as a modest newsstand in Florence, Alabama, it’s grown into one of the country’s leading book retailers. The true magic, especially for those of us watching our pennies, lies in their online store.
Their “Bargain Books” section is a goldmine, offering a wide range of titles at seriously reduced prices. From trending bestsellers to lesser-known treasures, there’s a deal waiting for every reader. And for those who opt into the Millionaire’s Club Card, the discounts deepen, coupled with perks like free shipping.
Whether you’re a fan of physical books or lean towards e-books, BAM! ensures quality reads that don’t strain your wallet. So, next time you’re book shopping on a budget, BAM! online might just be your best bet.
Barnes & Noble
Okay, so Barnes & Noble is a traditional bookstore that comes with a typically higher price tag, but if you are a premium member, you can save a lot of money on new releases.
Barnes & Noble offers a premium membership for $39.99 a year. With this membership, you get 10% off of all your bookish purchases and earn points towards more rewards and discounts.
Not only do you save money on books, you can also save at their in-store cafe. So you can enjoy a coffee while you browse the book stacks and save money on new releases and their exclusive BN edition copies.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books is another fantastic place to find great deals on books.
They have an incredible selection of new and used books at incredibly low prices, and they even offer trade-in credit when you bring in your used books.
One of the things I love most about Half Price Books is their commitment to affordability. I can find books for a fraction of the cost of new books, and I can even find rare gems that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
And with their impressive assortment of music, movies, and collectibles, I can also indulge in my other entertainment interests without overspending.
Second Sale
Another awesome used book marketplace is Second Sale.
They purchase used books and resell them at amazing prices. A site by book lovers for book lovers, you will find what you are looking for here.
With new, used books always arriving, you never know what you will find on Second Sale. If you are looking for a specific edition of your favorite book or want to score a killer deal, you should look here.
BookShop.org
BookShop.org may not be the cheapest on this list, but I love what they stand for.
They are a curated online book store where a portion of the proceeds go to support indie bookstores!
When you shop, you pick a bookstore that you want to support. Upon placing your order, that bookstore will receive a portion of the purchase!
What if you forget to pick a store? No worries! They place a portion of the proceeds into their fund and distribute them to indies in need.
Of course, they run some awesome sales as well. So you can save some money and feel good helping out local bookstores!
Pango Books
If you are looking for good deals on used books, then you should check out Pango.
It is a marketplace app just for bookworms. Think Ebay, but only for books! You can browse people’s shops, or look for specific books.
The vast majority of books on Pango are going to be relatively inexpensive. Keep in mind though, that prices are set by the individual selling them, not the company. This can mean that some books may be more expensive than you want to pay.
This really only happens when you start looking for signed and special editions though. Normal books on Pango are pretty much always reasonably priced!
Mercari
Mercari is another marketplace app where you can buy books, among other things, directly from sellers.
I have both bought and sold on Mercari and would highly recommend it for both.
When it comes to saving money on books, Mercari may not be the first place you think of. Usually, people who are selling books there are selling their special editions for a high price. But, that’s not always the case.
A lot of the time, you can find awesome deals on Fairyloot and Illumicrate editions of books. So if you are specifically wanting these beautiful editions to add to your collection, this is the place to check out.
BookBub
BookBub isn’t a store, but it is a great online resource to find free and cheap books.
The creators there compile the best deals every day and send them out to you directly to your email box!
I have found SO many awesome deals on both traditional and self-published books by looking through BookBub. The best part is it is totally free! You just look around their website or sign up for their email list, and you get the best deals on books delivered to you.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited is a game-changer for those hungry for books but watching their spending. For a monthly fee, subscribers get access to a vast library of over a million titles. Imagine being able to read as many books as you want, ranging from popular bestsellers to hidden gems, all without breaking the bank.
Not only does this platform provide unbeatable value for readers, but it’s also a boost for self-published authors. By diving into their stories on Kindle Unlimited, you directly support these writers. It’s a win-win: you get endless “free” reads, and indie authors gain more visibility and appreciation. With Kindle Unlimited, saving money on books has never felt so rewarding!
The Joy of Affordable Reading
Books have a unique power to transport us to different worlds, teach us new things, and offer solace in challenging times. Yet, they shouldn’t empty our wallets. Thanks to resources like Books a Million, Kindle Unlimited, and many other options, diving into a great read doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Remember, the value of a book isn’t measured by its cost but by the world it opens up to you. And while these are some stellar ways to save, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned, as I’ll share more ingenious hacks and recommendations on enriching your bookshelves without depleting your savings. Happy reading!
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
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