Big Reader, Small Budget

If you are anything like me, I love to read. We’re talking one book every day or so. That is a LOT of books. It also adds up on the budget front. For those of us who can’t afford to spend big bucks every day to keep up our book habits, look no further!! Below are some of the things I’ve done to supplement my budget.


1. Use the library!!

If you do not have a library card to your local library, you are totally missing out. The library is a great way to read all those books at no cost. Plus, many libraries are now starting to catch up with the times. I personally am a HUGE fan of my local library. They have branches all across the city, their website is super easy to use, I can reserve books and have them delivered to the library of my choice, and they even offer digital downloads. So, for the OCD reader in me, I can have up to 15 titles reserved on my library card, at least 25 checked out at any time, and up to 5 digital copies for my e-reader.


2. Check your local area for Library Sales and/or used book stores

Here in Tucson, we have an organization known as the Friends of the Library. They have huge sales every few months, and offer some incredible deals on old library and donated books. Not too long ago I went on their half priced day. They were pricing hardcover books at 50 cents and paperbacks at a quarter. I walked out that afternoon with 18 books for under $5.00! It was a killing on my part. Sure some of the books have the library stickers on them, and some books did look somewhat ratty, but at that price, can you really afford to complain? Plus, the used book store in town has a huge selection, at discounted prices. Plus I can trade in some of my older books for store credit!


3. Check out free eBooks

Many of the different eBook retailers have specials where they are frequently selling eBooks for free. Take Barnes & Noble for example (and because I have their nook and constantly stalk their website), every Friday they add a new free eBook for a limited time. Sometimes the books are good, sometimes they don’t really interest me. But, their free! Many of the books I’ve gotten were free books from B&N, Amazon, Fictionwise, Sony, AllRomanceEbooks, etc. You just have to be diligent about looking.


4. Find websites that offer free eBooks

There are tons of websites out there that offer free eBooks. The Guttenberg project for one provides tons and tons of classics. Google Books has millions of titles as well. Websites like Smashwords.com, FreeEbooks.com, and many others provide free eBooks in many different formats. A simple google search can lead to a goldmine of books. Some might not be of the highest quality, but there are tons of diamonds in the rough out there!


5. Check with your favorite authors

Some of my favorite authors post short stories through their websites that can be downloaded as a pdf and read at any time. Other times authors will release short stories through their blog. Take the chance and read them! They usually turn out to be great short stories.


6. Borrow from your friends

Chances are if you’re an avid reader, you have some friends who are too. Borrow from them, check out what their interests are, and borrow away. *Special tip though: keep track of your books and who you’ve loaned them too, just in case!*


7. Swap books

There are places out there where you can register to join a book swap. I know tons of people who participate in paperbackswap.com where you log in, select books you want, post books your willing to swap, and pay for postage. I personally have never participated in any of those programs (I don’t like to part with my books), but from those I know who have, they have had great experiences.


These are just a few things I’ve done to help support my book habits. What about you? What kind of things do you do when you run out of the funds, but are desperate for something new to read?