How to Get Books for 1/10th of What Barnes & Noble Would Charge

February 6, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

As an avid reader, I can not always financially accommodate my own demand for books. I live in a small community and the library is adequate but it often gets frustrating to select books I haven’t already read and ones that I will like. I will admit since having to rely on the library for my three novels a week, I have come to discover new authors I have fallen in love with but I still find myself searching through the shelves for something that looks interesting and something I haven’t already read. While I sometimes struggle to find a good read, I have saved a ton of money in reading materials. Any books I found to be not for me, I could simply return to the library and, if on time, it didn’t cost me a penny.There are occasions I will buy a new novel I have been waiting to read but I make certain there is a good promotion at the book store which I subscribe to by email and I use a bonus card to get an extra percentage in discounts. Just yesterday I saved nearly half off the price of a brand-new novel. I also make certain I rummage through the discount book displays where I usually find a hard cover I am interested in for a really reduced rate, usually between $3-$6.

Another avenue I take to find good deals on books, especially kid’s books, is at a thrift store, flea market or yard sale. It is not uncommon to find a current novel in great condition for a $1 or less. Kid’s books are usually $.25 and I would buy a book over a toy any day.

When I am done with the book, I simply do not have the space to store even half of the novels I read nor do I feel it is necessary to keep a collection. There are a few books I do keep but I don’t usually feel compelled to read something more than once. I keep a collection in a box and when it gets filled, I head over to the library. I enjoy seeing my donations in the ‘new releases’ section and feel good that other people will have the opportunity to read good books who otherwise may not be able to afford to buy it. I do the same with my child’s books. Once they have been read several times, we donate to them to the community or school library.

I believe in giving the gift of reading and I appreciate that others do the same. It a great feeling to go to the library and see that someone has donated the exact novel you have been wanting to read. It also has taught my child the importance of a library and the joys of reading.

Posted in books, borrowing, budgeting, charity, children, free stuff, saving money, savings, shopping

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