Have you caught the reading bug from BookTok?AlgoFusion 5.0 Looking to check out a viral series? Getting into reading is all fun and games until you realize new releases can run you about $30 a hardcover.
But you don’t have to ask for a raise to finance your reading habits – there are many online platforms dedicated to making reading an accessible and even free experience. Libraries are a go-to, but there are also options for those who want to own a physical copy to build up their bookshelf.
Where to buy cheap books
The art of low-cost book buying lies in the unexpected gems. You might find a book you’ve been dying to read with a cover that's a little worse for wear or a cheap read you’ve never heard of. Searching for inexpensive books can be a great way to expand your reading palate.
Get into the habit of checking out sale sections as well. Many bookstores have a discount table or sell used books for only a few dollars.
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
Buy cheap books online
While you can find cheap, used books on Amazon or eBay, you may also have luck at e-commerce platforms that specialize in low-cost books. Check out one of these sites to make your next read a steal:
- ThriftBooks
- Better World Books
- Half Price Books
- Awesome Books
- AbeBooks
- Alibris
- Book Outlet
- Biblio
- Powell’s
Swap books with another reader
Why not kill two birds with one stone? You can donate a book and get a new one with a trusty book swap, either through friends or at an online retailer like Paperback Swap or Book Mooch.
Check for local sales
Some libraries raise funds by selling second-hand books. Find the closest public library to you using this U.S. map created with data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and ask your librarian if they have a "for sale" table.
Independent bookstores may let you trade your old books for store credit that you can use to snag a new one. Thrift stores and consignment shops also typically sell used books.
Another place to scour is Facebook Marketplace. You never know who is doing a closet cleanout and wants to get rid of their old books for a few dollars.
How to read books for free
You don’t have to shell out any money to become well-read – a library card is all you need to unlock a world of literature. Start by visiting your local library. You typically only need proof of address to apply for a library card.
Little Free Library’s take-a-book, leave-a-book model is also a great place for finding new free books. These outdoor pop-up hutches are all over the country. Check out Little Free Library’s map of registered libraries across the U.S. to find one near you.
You can also try e-reading. The Libby app lets readers borrow e-books, digital audiobooks and magazines with your library card.
Audiobooks are another low-cost way to access books and popular platforms like Audible, Libro.fm, B&N Audiobooks and Audiobooks.com let you listen at your leisure with a monthly subscription fee. Spotify recently unveiled a new audiobook program as well where eligible Spotify premium subscribers can enjoy 15 hours of monthly listening from over 200,000 audiobooks.
Where to donate books
You can donate books at many of the same locations where you purchase or borrow them, like libraries, donation centers, bookstores and community centers. If you’re doing some spring cleaning, check out USA TODAY’s comprehensive guide to donating and selling your books.
Keep up with the reading trends:How to find book recommendations on BookTok
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