There’s something nice about buying books. It feels like you’re collecting stories you can visit anytime, like saving small adventures on your shelf. But books can get expensive, especially when you keep seeing new titles you want to read. So how do you keep reading without spending too much? The goal isn’t to stop buying books. It’s more like finding smarter ways to get cheap books, discount books, and good book deals while still enjoying the books you love. Think of it like shopping for clothes on sale — you still get what you want, just without paying full price.
If you’re also looking for other ways to cut costs on fun activities, you might want to check out my guide on how to save money on entertainment, where I share practical tips beyond just books.
Buy Used Books Instead of New Ones
Buying used books is one of the easiest ways to save money. Used books still have the same stories inside, even if the cover has a small scratch or two. It’s kind of like buying a used phone that still works perfectly fine.
You can find affordable books from online stores that sell secondhand books. ThriftBooks is popular for cheap paperbacks and hardcover books. You can also check local thrift shops and Goodwill stores, where books sometimes sit quietly on shelves next to other donated items.
Used books feel nice because you sometimes find older editions or vintage books that aren’t printed anymore. It’s like finding something rare without paying collector prices.
Use Your Local Library for Free Books
Libraries are still one of the best ways to read without spending money. You can borrow books instead of buying them.
Apps like Libby let you borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library using your phone or tablet. This is super helpful if you like reading during bus rides, while waiting in line, or before going to sleep.
Libraries also let you test books before buying them. If you really love a book, you can always buy your own copy later. If not, you just return it and grab another one.
Some libraries even have book sales where they sell old donated books at very low prices. You can sometimes find paperback novels for just a few dollars.
Read Free Books Online
The internet has tons of free books if you know where to look. Project Gutenberg is one of the best places for free classic books. You can download classic novels and read them on your phone or computer.
Free books online are usually older classics that are already in the public domain. You might find famous literature, older adventure stories, or historical books that have been around for years.
Free ebooks are great when you just want something to read casually without thinking about spending money. You can keep a few free books on your phone and read them whenever you have downtime.
Try Audiobooks and eBooks to Save Space and Money
Audiobooks and eBooks are often cheaper than physical books. They also save shelf space at home, which is nice if your bookshelf is already full.
Audiobooks are great when you want to “read” while doing other things. You can listen while cleaning your room, cooking, or walking outside. It feels like having someone tell you a story while you go about your day.
Ebooks are convenient because you can carry hundreds of books on your phone or e-reader without carrying heavy paperbacks.
Use Free Trials and Book Memberships Smartly
Subscription reading services can help if you use them carefully. Kindle Unlimited sometimes offers free trial periods where you can read lots of ebooks without paying at first.
Photo taken from Amazon News
The trick is to read as much as you can during the free trial if you plan to cancel before billing starts. It’s like trying a buffet for free during the trial period.
Bookstore memberships can also help if you buy books often. For example, a Barnes & Noble membership sometimes gives discounts on regular-priced books and early access to sales.
If you buy books every month, memberships can slowly help you save money over time.
Watch for Book Sales and Coupons
Timing matters when buying books. Bookstores often run sales during holidays, back-to-school seasons, or end-of-season clearance events.
BookBub is a handy platform where you can discover book deals and get alerts when books you’re interested in go on sale. It’s pretty useful if you like keeping track of price drops or finding new reads without constantly checking bookstores or marketplaces. When I visited their site, I also noticed that they offer free eBooks that can be downloaded to any eReader.
Before checking out online, it’s smart to search for coupons. A small discount might not feel like much, but it adds up if you buy books often.
Also, waiting for paperback versions of new releases can save money because paperbacks are usually cheaper than hardcovers.
Join Book Swaps and Community Groups
Book swaps are like trading snacks with friends, but with books. You finish reading a book, then trade it for another book you haven’t read yet.
You can find book swaps through local community groups or online buy-nothing groups. These groups sometimes give away books for free.
Book exchanges are nice because you don’t keep buying books you will only read once. Instead, you keep rotating books without spending more money.
Look for Free Books From Community Programs
Some community groups and local programs give away free books. You can also check local Facebook groups where people give away books they no longer want.
These groups are good places to find free books for kids, students, or casual reading. Sometimes people give away entire book collections when they move homes.
It’s like getting surprise books you didn’t even plan to buy.
Buy Books During Sales or Use Discount Sites
Watch for book sales before buying new books. Online bookstores and physical stores often have seasonal promotions.
- Wait for holiday sales
- Follow bookstores on social media for flash sales
- Compare prices between different stores before buying
Book deals are common if you are patient. Buying books during sales feels better than paying full price right away.
Rent or Borrow Textbooks Instead of Buying
Textbooks can be really expensive, especially for students. Renting textbooks is usually cheaper than buying new ones.
Rental services let you use the book for a semester, then return it when you are done. It’s like borrowing tools for schoolwork instead of buying them forever.
This is helpful if you only need the textbook for one class.
Trade In Old Books for Store Credit
If you have books you already finished, you can trade them in for store credit. Some bookstores and online stores offer credit when you send in used books.
This helps turn old books into discounts for new ones. Instead of letting books collect dust, you use them to help pay for your next book purchase.
Simple Book Buying Habits That Help You Save Money
Saving money on books is really about how you buy, not just what you buy.
• Make a reading wishlist and wait a little before buying.
• Finish one book before buying another.
• Mix free books with paid books.
Reading should still feel fun. You don’t have to buy every book you want right away.
FAQ About Saving Money on Books
Are eBooks cheaper than physical books?
Usually yes because there are no printing or shipping costs. But sometimes physical books go on sale and become cheaper during promotions.
Is it safe to buy used books?
Yes. Most used books only have small cosmetic wear. Just check seller ratings when buying online and look at photos of the book’s condition before purchasing. Buying used books really feels like finding hidden gems because you can sometimes find books that are already out of print.
Which is better for saving money — libraries or buying used books?
Libraries are best if you want free reading. With a library card, you can borrow books, eBooks, and audiobooks at no cost. Many libraries also give you access to apps like Libby and Hoopla, so you can read or listen from your phone or eReader. Some even offer free access to magazines, online courses, and other digital resources — all included with your card.
Used books are better if you want to keep books long-term without paying full price for brand-new copies.
Do book subscriptions really save money?
They help if you read a lot. If you only read occasionally, buying books during sales might be cheaper. Subscription services are nice when you want to binge-read during free trial periods.
I live outside the US. Do you know any libraries that give access to non-residents?
Yes, there are libraries that allow non-residents to apply for digital access, usually for a small annual fee. Some popular options include:
• Queens Public Library (New York) — Offers digital access to ebooks and audiobooks for non-residents for a yearly membership fee.
• Broward County Library (Florida) — I’ve used this library’s digital services for eBooks and audiobooks, which makes reading very easy even when you’re a non-resident. It used to be free, but now, they charge around $38 + $2 online convenience fee.
• Some international digital library systems that partner with local libraries and use platforms similar to Libby.
• Local digital public libraries in your own country, since many countries now offer their own online borrowing systems.
If you don’t want to pay for access, free options like Project Gutenberg are still great for classic books, and online book swap communities can also help you find new reads without spending money.