The Thrifty Book Buyer: Free and Cheap Reads

Hello, Fellow Bookworms,

   The best feeling a reader can have is finding that new and amazing book that takes them on new adventures. But sometimes when that cash register serves up the total, it is a feeling that can be unpleasant. What does a book reader do when the books are not affordable? I have a few options that have served me quite well over the years, as well as some new tricks I have discovered. In this article I will share with you great ways to save cash, and still get those books you desire. 

   1) The Library- This is a great first step in obtaining newer books that you wish to read. This option is great for the reader that does not wish to collect a series, but just read it. Most library catalogs are available online for you to search for titles. In many of the online catalogs you will have an option to request a title. That way when the book you wish to read is available you will be notified, and you can pick it up. You can check to see if your library has a digital lending service, as well. I use Hoopla through my library. Hoopla is a wonderful resource of books, comics, movies, and even movies. The service is linked to your library card, and provides up to seven check-outs at a time. It is free to join and use. If you do not have a library card simply go to your public library and sign up for one. You would be surprised what great programs and content that your library has.

 2) The Thrift Shop- This is my personal favorite for obtaining books to read. This allows you to own a book at a fraction of the publisher's price. Goodwill Industries offers a fifty percent discount on different colored price labels weekly. While Savers offers a Buy Four Get One book deal daily. I just recently purchased six hardcover novels that were just released in 2016 for fifteen dollars. Buying thrifty also allows you to help a good cause, due to the fact that many thrift stores operate to help your community.  For example many local thrift stores use the money they raise in their stores to further education, feed families, place people in jobs, and teach individuals new skills. 


 3) Book Fairs- These can be hit or miss. But if you do your research, you can discover insane deals on books. I visited five book fairs in 2016. Some fairs allow you to shop on special days where you can to fill a bag for five dollars, get books at two dollars and under, and my favorite: FREE book day! Each book fair is unique, and can offer raffles, homemade food, bake sales, and live music. You can honestly spend the entire day at a book fair and not be bored. This is also a perfect opportunity to grab up new release books, books that you find hard to get, or books in a series you have been meaning to read. I left one book fair in 2015 with a U-Boat of books, including a box of James Patterson and Tami Hoag thrillers. 

4) Scholastic Warehouse Sales- I have attended the Scholastic Warehouse Sale in my area for many years. It is an enormous sale open to the public. With a quick registration on their website you can attend the week-long sale. You will need three things: comfortable shoes, plenty of money, and a carriage (provided by Scholastic). Then you are set to embark on some of the craziest sales that you have ever seen. Books start at $1 and most new hardcovers are 20%-50% off. My experience was a very positive one, with plenty of helpers in the warehouse that guided me to many great deals. They also provide many teacher supplies at their warehouse sales and low-priced gift sets. I highly recommend this sale to any reader.

  5) Discount cards at your local book shop can save you plenty of money. If you ask around you can find shops that have their discount cards or frequent buyer programs ready for you. Barnes and Noble offers a discount card for twenty five dollars a year. That may be a lot for a discount card, but they do offer free shipping and up to sixty percent off many book releases. While smaller shops have frequent buyer programs that offer up to twenty percent off if you spend a certain amount. And their programs are free. Many small book shops also offer deals on their websites that allow you to buy bulk books from a warehouse at discount prices. The small book shop always wants to have your business. You would be surprised at what you may find with independent book sellers.

  6) Department stores can be great places to acquire books. For an example Target often offers a twenty percent off coupon on their Cartwheel App. This can be used on top of the already discounted prices.  It's definitely worth the download. Target continues to remain of the many store offering extra with their books, such as autograph copies and inserts not found in the regular addition. I find book shopping at a department store is better suited for holiday time, when stores offer deep discounts on all their items.

  7) Online shopping- I do this only when I have no other recourse. I like to support local businesses and programs whenever I am able. But there are some amazing deals online that should not be missed. Amazon.com always seems to be a person's first stop for book buying. They offer up to fifty percent off of books on occasion, and their Prime program offers free shipping to save money. Book Outlet offers deep discounts on many titles, including newer releases. They have a "scratch and dent" section where books are as low as one dollar. And their shipping is reasonable. 

  8) For the digital reader-  I have found exceptional deals to fill your tablet, Kindle, or Nook. Book Bub is a great website that alerts you to free or low-priced downloadable books when you sign up. Amazon.com offers many new books for free on their Kindle site. Last year Prime Reading was introduced featuring many books to Prime members. Barnes and Noble has a section weekly where Nook books are under three dollars. Goodreads offers contests to win many types of books, including advanced reader copies (ARC). Many book publishers offer free books. Simon and Schuster has a free e-book program that is worth checking out.

  There you have it, my ways of acquiring cheap or free books. I have saved hundreds of dollars using these methods of buying books. Follow the links below to some of the websites I mentioned, as well as check out my other blogs and pages.

https://www.bookbub.com/home/
http://bookoutlet.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway
https://www.hoopladigital.com/
http://pages.simonandschuster.com/freeebookoffer/ssnav

   Also please follow me on my social media platforms, and enjoy shopping with me at eBay and the Book Depository. I am also looking for contributions to open my business. Please visit my GoFundMe page if you wish to help me out.

 
  Because there is always time to read,
   Xepherus3 

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