Everybody is feeling the pinch to save their pennies as much as they can, but where does that leave room for getting your hands on all the beautiful books you want to read? To a lot of people, books and other entertainment are one of the first on the chopping block in the pursuit of being frugal, but here are some ways you can still enjoy reading whilst being money conscious!
Become A Library Member
Starting with a potentially obvious one here, but it’s surprising the amount of book lovers who don’t have a library membership. Libraries have always been an institution of knowledge for years, providing communities resources for learning, entertainment, and getting together.
It’s easy to imagine libraries remaining those stuffy old buildings you might have experienced in school, however in a world increasingly turning to digital assets, most libraries have been keeping up with the times.
Most libraries have apps you can download to help choose your next physical book, e-book, or even audiobook.
Best thing is, if you choose a digital asset, it automatically returns itself, so you don’t even have to deal with those overdue fees if you slip too far into a fictional world and forget to return them!
A quick search of ‘Libraries Near Me’ will have you halfway to a new membership, with new releases in your hot little hands at no extra cost.
Book Subscription
Whilst it is supremely satisfying to slide your freshly read book onto your bookshelf like a trophy, those physical tomes can be quite expensive, especially if you like reading a lot of books. Book subscriptions are a great way to gain access to thousands of titles at a single monthly cost. Instead of spending $20+ for a single book, you can pay less than that per month and read as many as you like.
Some e-readers offer complimentary service for a fixed time upon purchase as well, so make sure you’re getting the most out of your new device!
Existing Subscriptions
Depending on the type of subscriptions you already have, you may find that they have a book repository. For example, did you know that Spotify has audiobooks? Their current collection boasts over 300,000 books that you can listen to while going around your daily duties.
You might also find that other subscriptions or memberships you already have come with complimentary trials for other related subscriptions.
Street Libraries
Over the past several years, tiny enclosures have been popping up all over neighbourhoods housing a small selection of titles. These adorable literary sanctuaries for pre-loved books aim to provide communities with a hub to share knowledge and interests. They work on an honour-based system where you can take any book that takes your fancy, bring it back, and choose another. They also take donations of any books, so if you decide to Marie Kondo your bookshelves, you know where to drop them off.
A simple search can help you find your nearest community little library, but if you’re one of our Australian based reader, you can find some information here. If you’re one of our American based readers, you can find some information here.
Second-hand Bookstores
Bookstores specialising in pre-loved books can help you find discount gems super easily. They typically hold a treasure trove of high-quality books less than half the price than if you had gotten them brand new.
Sometimes pre-loved bookstores even hold rare out of print pieces you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
Not only can you find some great bargains, but some even have programs where you can bring in some of those books you don’t want anymore and get store credit for them, so you’re essentially swapping your old reads for something new.
Book Friend Swap
Finally, if you’re friends with other book lovers or part of a book club, see if someone is willing to do a book swap. Even if their book preferences don’t exactly match your own, you might find a new favourite or learn something new. If, like me, you’re precious about your books, invest in a book stamp, or some other way to mark which books are yours. That way, you’ll be sure to get them back!
Tightening one’s purse strings is always uncomfortable but with a bit of out of the box thinking, you don’t have to go without the things you love!
