Today’s TTT theme is book resources. With the price of everything, including books, going up, up, up, I am focusing on how to get books free or for a steal. Many of these you probably know, but I felt they were worth mentioning again. While I don’t mind paying full price for a book, my budget thanks me when I take a more thrifty option. 😉
For more fun book resources, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Places to Get A Good Book Deal
Beg — Book Wishlists
Not really begging, but have you considered putting together a wishlist for those all important gift-giving occasions? Your family and friends who say they don’t know what to get you will have no excuse! The obvious Amazon wishlists work, but shopping local is the bomb. So when someone asks what do you want for ___, be ready with your list. Include a gift card option for those times the bookstore may be out of your coveted book.
Borrow — Library, Amazon, Audible
The library is the ultimate place to borrow books, but did you know that you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks too? I have a convenient Libby app that lets me access thousands of digital books. This resource has been great for books for one of my book clubs. We are venturing into unknown author territory, so a borrowed book is safe and easy.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can borrow up to 10 ebooks at a time. They won’t be in your library permanently, but you can read them anytime — no return date. But to get book #11, you have to return one you’ve already borrowed. I always check this feature out when announcing book club selections. My group can go ahead and borrow when the book is offered for free with subscription and read closer to our meeting date.
I also have an Audible subscription. Some audiobooks are included with a membership allowing you to listen without using precious credits. My husband has recently listened to classic westerns and mysteries, and I listened to Out of The Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis — all included.
Borrowing from book loving friends doesn’t require membership fees or subscriptions, but may involve careful handling of their precious books and returning in a timely manner. 😉 My book club meets monthly. Part of our time is spent sharing books with each other. This is a great way to discover a new author with the added bonus of a personal recommendation. Be aware this may lead to more book buying!
Steal — Library Sales and Used Book Stores
No, I am not advocating actually stealing books, but the prices you encounter may look like a steal. Our library system hosts an annual book sale. It was cancelled last year, so I am looking forward to a huge selection this year.
My hometown also has a used book store that is part of a local chain. They have great prices on books, plus a credit system when you trade in books that don’t fit on your to-keep shelf.
The library is my favorite budget-friendly place for books. Since they got rid of late fees, it’s even better!
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I love library book sales! You can find some real gems there.
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-online-resources-for-book-lovers/
Yes!
This is a great tweak on this week’s topic. My budget thanks me when I get books for free or cheap as well 🙂 Here is my link for this week: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/10/top-ten-tuesday-online-resources-for.html
Thanks for your link!
Have you gotten the library app Hoopla? Not as many libraries subscribe to this as Libby/overdrive, but if you have access to it, you should give it a try. Our library does not subscribe, but I was able to score a virtual card through a nearby library and I love Hoopla. I’ve found many Christian novels in audio and e-book. With Hoopla, you have instant access if Hoopla has the title, no holds lists or waiting.
Our library doesn’t have Hoopla, just Libby.
I love a library book sale. It feels like Christmas each time.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com