Reading is a wonderful way to exercise the mind, relax, and to learn new things. But buying new books all the time can get expensive, especially if you are an avid reader. Here are some tips on how to save money on books including 5 places to find cheap and free books!

Library

First, join your local library. Checking out books is free and most libraries also give you access to e-books. Plus, you will be able to check out movies, music, magazines and more. Libraries often have book sales where you can pick up books at a really great price!

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Garage Sales/Thrift Stores

People like to read a book once and put it on the shelf. Then, when spring cleaning comes around they put them in the garage sale or donation bin. Often times you get wonderful deals at garage sales (and lots of times if you are buying lots of books you can get an even lower price!) Thrift stores get so many books in that they price their books really cheap – usually less than $1 each.

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Used Book Stores

Check your local area to see if you have a used book store. If you do, check if they have a loyalty program or offer any specials. One chain of used book stores that we have in my area is called Half-Priced Books. I joined their mailing list and a few times a year they mail out coupons such as $5 off a $20 purchase. Often times, you can also sell back your books to used book stores and turn your old books in for new (slightly used) books.

Amazon

Amazon started out selling books and they still sell more books than anywhere else. Since they have such a large inventory their prices are very competitive. I’ve gotten hardcover, new books for as low as $2.99! And with my Prime account I get the book in 2 days and I don’t have to pay for shipping! Amazon also offers lots (and lots) of free e-books. You don’t need a Kindle to download e-books. You can download the free Kindle app on most phones, tablets and even right on your computer. (Read our how to save big on Amazon post here.)

Paperback Swap

There is a really great, free website called paperbackswap.com. Once you sign up with your free account, list the books that you would like to share with others. Then when another member wants one of your books you get an email. You print out a shipping form and pop it in the mail. In return, you receive a credit. Using your credits you can find a book that you would like and it gets shipped to you! You don’t pay for any books or when the books are shipped to you. You do however, pay the shipping of mailing out your books (between 2 and 3 dollars for an average sized book). So for less than $2-3 you get a new to you book! Plus, you even get 2 startup book credits FREE if you are the first account at your household – you can use those credits to order 2 books for yourself right away! That means you get 2 free books just for signing up!

(They also have a site for trading CD’s and DVD’s. Both are also free to sign up and when you list items that you would like to share you receive a free credit.)

This is one of my favorite ways to get new books (as well as CD’s and DVD’s). You can create a wish list and when your wish list items become available you will get notified. Even if you don’t plan on keeping up with your membership, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to get free credits (and use them for your free items!)

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