With unemployment on the rise and the economy the way it is, many people are searching for cheaper entertainment. Good news! Reading can actually be cheap entertainment!
Obviously you're thinking, "Reading isn't cheap! Have you seen the cost of new books lately?? $25.00 for a new book!!" Well, I have seen the price of books and I'm here to show you that there are ways to read as many books as you want without destroying your budget.
1. Shop used books:
There are many shops that sell used books. Thrift stores, Goodwill, there are even whole stores dedicated just for used books. Peruse the shelves and see what's there. You'll be amazed. I've found M.C. Beaton books for $7.50, hardback.
Used bookstores are even better than bookstore chains in some ways because many of them contain little treasures like out-of-print books.
2. Go to your local library:
Libraries are a great resource for cheap books. First of all, a library card usually costs a low annual fee. So for a few dollars once a year, you have unlimited access to all their books for the year. OR if your library doesn't require a card for you to come in and browse you can sit and read a book right there for no charge.
Another way to get cheap books at the library is to attend library book sales. I recently went to one myself. There were 4 long tables crammed full of books! Everything from Nicholas Sparks novels to John Grisham Novels to the Twilight series. Nearly all of the books were in fantastic condition and the more books you picked up the bigger the discount! I bought several books for less than $10 dollars!
3. Shop the discount aisles at major chains:
Don't be fooled into thinking that because the book is on the bargain shelf means the book isn't good. Quite the opposite is true. Since chain bookstores are always getting new shipments of books, books that are there for very long will be discounted and moved to the bargain shelf. For example, I recently bought a Karen Kingsbury novel Like Dandelion Dust and several of the major classics such as Emma and Persuasion by Jane Austen and Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. At that's just the tip of the iceburg. You can find all genres of books on these aisles and usually they are well organized.
4. Book-Swaps:
You've probably heard of doubling your wardrobe by having clothing swaps with your friends. Well, to double your library of books have book swaps with them too! gather your friends and tell them to bring books that they've already read and want to exchange for another book they want to read. This swap is better than swapping clothes anyway because you'll never have to worry if a book is "in your size". ;)
Don't want to swap your books? Then try having the loaning system. You can borrow a book from a friend, read it, and give it back to them and vice versa. Not only will it give you access to more books for free, it will open up more topics of conversation between you and your friends because you can discuss the books amongst yourselves.
swapping books is a growing trend with swapping parties, large organized swapping events, and even online swapping sites.
Until next time!,
Lizzie <3
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