Saving Money on Books

If it’s books, it’s not hoarding, right?

I have always had a love of books. My mother taught me to read long before I started school. I developed a love of reading that has never diminished.

I also have a love of books. I love seeing their spines all in a row; different colors; different titles to entice one. I also love the feel and scent of a book. I love holding them in my hands and that thrill when you crack open the cover page for the first time!

I have books that I have packed and unpacked for decades; carrying them with me as I moved from place to place. Beloved books that I just cannot part with. These very special books have different reasons for staying with me all these years. Some because of the contents of the book, the story, etc. But others, I keep just because they evoke a memory; something special or someone special in my life.

I do listen to audio books frequently these days.  They just fit into my schedule better.  I have not gotten into e-books. I have had e-readers, but I don’t use them. It is just not the same for me.

I LOVE the library! I spent many hours in the library growing up. I still love to browse the isles, looking at the colorful spines and searching for some hidden gem just waiting for me to discover it!  But I do not visit the library unless it’s virtually to download an audio book.

So with this immense love of books, how do I get my fix for books if I must own a physical copy of one? What if that book is out of print? What to do?  Used books!  You can save yourself a fortune by purchasing used rather than new.

There are SO many wonderful places online to purchase used books now!  These are some sites that I have used to purchase books:

Thrift Books.  https://www.thriftbooks.com/  If you purchase $10.00 or more, your shipping is free! I find it pretty darned easy to spend more than $10.00 on books!  Their books start at just $3.99!

An example:  A friend recommended a book on Amazon new, which was $16.00, I found it on Thrift Books for $3.99!!

Better World Books.  https://www.betterworldbooks.com/  For every purchase made, a book is donated to someone in need!  They also give you a great deal on your first purchase!

Abe Books. https://www.abebooks.com/  Abe Book’s selection is enormous!

Powell’s Books.   https://www.powells.com/  They have a lovely website.

These are the ones I usually use.  My first go-to is usually Thrift Books because of the free shipping with a $10.00 purchase.  Most of these sites will also give you the option of selecting the “condition” of the book you are purchasing.  These range from “like new”, to “acceptable”.  The price will vary as well, depending on the condition of the book.

If you simply Google “buy used books online”, you will come up with a list longer than what I have shared with you here.

So the next time you simple must ‘own’ a particular book, look online before you spend full retail for a new book!

Copyright (C) 2021 Penny Wilson