For many of us, we just don't have an unlimited budget when it comes to being able to buy ALL THE BOOKS! So I thought I'd compile a list of all the amazing ways to get our hands on books while also being able to be frugal and maximizing our dollars!
I personally have used many of these resources over the years and continue to use them even now. Most of these ideas will be based on the fact that I am in Canada, so I won't be linking to American only places.
1. Use your local library.
This will always be my number one suggestion! Not only can you borrow books from your library for free, but you can also borrow DVDs, CDs, puzzles, video games, and more. Our local libraries even have bicycles, telescopes, GPS units and more. Our library also has inter-library loans (I've used these a few times), Overdrive and Hoopla.
2. Shop The Sales!
Library book sales, thrift sales and yard sales. I love finding books at the local thrift store as they have the best prices! Next is the Friends of the Library sales - my library has year round shelves to peruse, but also a gigantic annual book sale. And lastly, yard sales - you can find some amazing deals at yard sales, but you have to be willing to dig.
3. Little Free Library
I'm lucky enough to have a few little free library locations in my city and in the neighbouring towns. I stop by once a month to drop a few books and see what gems I might find. You can look here to see if there is a location near you. Or you can start your own!
4. Swap/Trade
Use sites like BookMooch to trade books (pay postage only and earn points to redeem towards books from other users). Or organize a book swap with family or friends - this could be a lot of fun if you did themed book swaps or just got a fun group of readers together with snacks and made a night of it.
5. FREE!
Collect loyalty points to redeem for discounts or free books such as Plum Rewards or iRewards via Chapters Indigo. Some sites like Amazon will have free ebooks for download, so why not check out their ebook section! Sites like Project Gutenberg and DailyLit are where you will find Classics for free.
6. Discounted Books
These you can find via the used bookstore or places like Book Outlet. Book Outlet has amazing deals all the time and sometimes if you're lucky there will be signed editions!
7. Giftcards!
I always love receiving gift cards for my birthday of Christmas. This way I can buy the books I'm dying to get my hands on without having to spend the money myself and the person giving the gift knows I'll always end up with something I'll love. It's a win/win. Also, I get reward points at work and I redeem mine for giftcards to Chapters all the time.
8. Enter Giveaways
Another great way to get the latest release in your hands is to enter giveaways. Goodreads hosts giveaways regularly so check them out. You can find some great giveaways via Twitter searching the hashtag #giveaway. Another great resource is fellow book bloggers - there are always giveaways being held for publishers, promo groups and blogger hops - so go check out your fave blogs and see what they are supporting!
9. Subscriptions to Audiobooks
Use apps like Hoopla, Audbile and Scribd to listen to audiobooks for a discount or free! I personally still use Overdrive via my local library.
10. Request e-ARCs
Use NetGalley or Edelweiss+ to requeset eARC review copies. I've been a big user of NetGalley in the past, but had to step back a little as I was requesting more eARCs than I could review in a timely manner, so just be sure you are only requesting books you will for sure be able to review as it can get out of hand quickly.
As an additional note, you can also write to publishers to request physical ARCs especially if you are a more established blog or have a strong presence online (social media, blog, etc). Each publisher has different requirements to meet for them to approve advance copies so be sure to check out their sites before sending in your requests.
Please feel free to share your money saving tips for fellow book lovers. I'd love to hear how you get your read on while saving money!
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