10 Ways to Keep Your Book Obsession Inexpensive

Getting books for free or super inexpensive has become a necessity for me. In my old age, I have become obsessed with books. Seriously obsessed. I have a selection of about six authors whose books I love. I love them so much that I have decided to read every book they have written if I can find them. I’m a bit embarrassed to say I have over 70 books waiting for me to read. However, I spend very little money to get these.

How does a person accumulate such a collection and not spend hundreds of dollars? This is how I do it. Keep in mind that if we are still under stay home orders, some of these options may not be available at this time. Also, note that I am a book reader, not a Kindle reader. I love to have my book in my hand when I read it, and have a bookmark to mark my place. I know, I’m behind the times, but I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. There is enough screen time in my life, without adding a Kindle.

Garage sales, estate sales, and online selling sites. I started collecting my books by going to garage sales. It can be hard to find a particular book at a garage sale, but occasionally you will find someone that reads the same type of books as you, like mystery, love story, Christian, or reads an author you love. Those opportunities don’t come often but when they do, you can grab a bunch of books for reading later. I also have purchased single books or groups of books from online selling sites on Facebook. Due to the low price, it’s a great way to try a new author. Prices are typically 50 cents for paperback and $1 for hardcover.

Thrift shops. There are a lot of thrift shops in my city. Some don’t sell books. Others have a large amount of them. Take a few hours one day and check out the thrift shops in your area. While you are there ask if they have any days that are special sales. Many of them will have a “senior discount” day, which can give you a percentage off. There is one by me that has “wear a hat” day and get 25% off. I accidentally ended up at a thrift store that had a “10 books for $1” sale. I ended up buying thirty books, checking off a lot of books on my list to buy. Normally I find thrift shop prices for paperbacks from 50 cents to $1. Hardcovers typically start at $1 and can go as high as $2, or $3. Unless it was a book I have had problems finding, I don’t pay $3.

Little Free Libraries. To start, I went online to find a list of them in my city. I took an old map and marked their locations. I keep a bag of books in my car. Now if I’m in an area that has a LFL, I can see what they have available. I mark on the list I printed from my computer, what type of books they carry or if the library has been abandoned. Of course, I realize that is subject to change, but you may find that some only carry children’s books. It’s common for the ones near elementary schools to do this. By checking out different LFL’s I have found some favorites that I frequent.

I have found one Little Free Library in particular that carries a large number of books and I’m usually able to swap out 5 or 6 of the books I have read for different ones that I have not read. Something that has really worked for me is that there are several within walking distance to my home. This gives me a reason to go for a walk since I sometimes try to find ways to stay home.

Online used book stores. Depending on the company they may charge as little as $1 per book. The biggest expense is shipping. I figure that for around $4-$6 I can get a book delivered to my home. My favorite online store is AbeBooks.com. I have bought books from them for years. They list the state the book is coming from so you can try picking a state closer to your home, for quicker delivery. Beware they do sell books from book dealers in other countries, and the postage, in that case, can be high. I use this option when I want a book in a hurry or can’t find one.

The libraries in your county. I used to go to the library often. I don’t live as close to it as I used to, so it’s not as convenient. Plus if I only have them for a few weeks I usually will only get one or two read. However, my daughter-in-law is able to take books out of her library and go online to renew them. She can do this up to a year, I believe. This allows her to have books in her home for my granddaughter for six months to a year, and then trade them out when my granddaughter outgrows them or is tired of the same old thing. This is a great idea for small children. I would suggest calling your library and see what their policy is with the length of time a book can be out for and their renewal policy.

Library book sales. I haven’t been to a library book sale in a while, but I have purchased inexpensive books at them. Your library will eventually remove books from their shelves to make room for new ones. Depending on your library, they may have a section of used books, they may have a “Friends of the Library” book sale on occasion, or they may get rid of them another way. We found some once at a Farmer’s Market Booth. While you are calling your library about their renewal policy you might ask what they do with the books they no longer keep on their shelves. Pricing on these books has run 50 cents to a few dollars, depending on the book and the library.

Hoopla app. I am signed up for this, but I haven’t used it yet. This is through your library but is all done online. You can order books, music, or videos. I have a friend that mentioned it to me. I’m excited to try this, yet I’m holding back due to the inability to physically hold the book. But in a pinch I know it’s there. I am currently looking for the first book in a series. If I can’t find it elsewhere, I may just give Hoopla a try. Signing up is easy. I needed my library card number and my access code. I didn’t remember setting up an access code, but the library was helpful in getting me set up.

Borrow or swap from a friend, relative, co-worker, or neighbor. The chances of a friend or family member liking the same books as you are good. And depending on your neighbors and co-workers, you may have success with them, too. Be sure to set guidelines as to how long you can have the book. I have lost books in the past because the person I lent the book to, had it too long and lost it.

Your church library. Does your church have a library? This is a great way to get books since you already go there on a regular basis. Our church has a shelf of free books that you can keep. Occasionally they have set up a table in the back of the church with free books. Check with your church office to see if they have a library. If you don’t have one, see if there is interest in having one and maybe start one.

The local used bookstore. If you really want a book and can’t find it elsewhere, check if there is a used bookstore nearby. This could be your first choice, depending on your budget and the number of books you own that you would like to get out of your house. We have one not far from my home that is really nice. You don’t have to turn in books to buy books. You can buy them straight off the shelf or use credit you have stored up from bringing in books for them to resell. I know of a man who brings in boxes of books, possibly resulting in free books from the store. It is sometimes possible for them to locate a book you have had trouble finding, by checking other used bookstores.

At the used bookstore near me you can bring in a box or bag of books that are in very good/excellent condition and they will go through them and see if the book is something they can sell. They will not usually take a book with tears, water damage, writing, and other damage. Also if they have several copies of the book already, they may not be interested in a book, even if it is in perfect condition. You receive credit for the books you turn in. If they are busy you may need to wait a few hours or a day for their purchase offer, which they pay out in store credit. The amount will be small in comparison to what they charge for a book because after all, they are trying to make a profit.

I hope you are successful in finding the books you want. You can take a book with you almost everywhere you go. Take one along as you wait for a doctor’s or oil change appointment. Maybe take a few on your next vacation to read on the beach or by the pool. When I have traveled alone I have taken a book to read with my dinner in a restaurant. And while you are traveling you may find a place to trade in the books you have read and get a few more.

Good luck in finding the books you desire. Let me know if you have another idea to add to this list, by leaving a comment below in the Reply section.