Have you ever found yourself watching a TikTok or seeing an Instagram post about a new book that is coming out that you really want to read? Has there ever been a time you find a new author you absolutely love but you can’t shell out $20 to read one book? Just the other day, I was walking around a bookstore and couldn’t believe how much books cost today. Books, along with everything else, have become increasingly expensive. Reading has surprisingly become just as expensive as other hobbies.
Let me tell you a secret though, it doesn’t have to be! Sure, you can go to the library and get books for free, but I have even more tips on how to be a bookish girlie for cheap:
1. First and foremost, make use of the public library and/or download the Libby app.
Libby lets you use your library card to get online versions of books loaned to you, just like going and getting a physical copy! You can even renew the digital loan if you need more time to finish the book. If you read on any type of e-reader, this is a game changer! The best part is that it’s completely free! I always check my Libby app to see if a book is available before purchasing it so that I can save some money. Keep in mind that if it’s a newer book, you may be on the waitlist to borrow the book, but if you decide to wait, you can save a few bucks!
2. Use Pangobooks!
This website is incredible for buying and reselling books for cheap! There are so many copies of popular books on it for a fraction of the cost you’d find in the store or online. I would highly recommend using this website or downloading the Pangobooks app if you’re constantly buying and selling books like I am.
3. Subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.
Kindle Unlimited is truly a game changer and is very inexpensive considering the amount of books to which you have access. If you’re a Kindle girlie, this is for you! However, you don’t have to have a Kindle to get in on the action. You can download the Kindle app and read on your iPad or phone as well. With Kindle Unlimited, you have access to thousands and thousands of free books, and you can have up to 20 on your e-reader at a time. Once you finish a book, just return it and you can choose a new book to download. The price is around $11-13 a month for access to an incredible amount of new releases and older books as well.
4. Utilize Amazon First Reads.
If you’re already subscribed to Amazon Prime (which if you’re like me, you have been for a while) and use an e-reader, did you know you have access to free newly released books every month? With Amazon First Reads, you can select a free Kindle copy of a book each month. All you need to do is go to your Amazon account and search First Reads and you should see where you can take part in this. It’s so fun to see the new picks available each month and they have something for every genre lover.
5. If you see a Little Free Library or Lending Library around your town, always stop to see what books are in it!
I have found so many good reads in these community libraries and I will leave books for others to enjoy in the one closest to our house. If you’re not familiar with these little libraries, you can find the nearest one to you by visiting this link. Who knows…you may find some new authors you haven’t heard of before and some good books for the kids as well.
6. Try a book swap with a friend.
If you have a friend with similar taste in books, trade out your books once you’re done reading. I have a friend with whom I do this all the time. If she has a book that she’s bought recently, she usually lends it to me afterwards and I do the same with her. It’s been a great way to save money and still get to enjoy a book I’ve wanted to read while also having a good conversation piece with a friend.
