ThreeBookworms

If you are like me, you dream of having a large home library but find it doesn’t fit into the budget. Here are some ways to save money while still filling your bookshelves.

Little Free Libraries

This is a very exciting trend that I hope only grows bigger and to more geographical areas. Many homes and even business are finding success and dare I say fun, putting little libraries outside for others to exchange books. They are free to use and have the rule, ‘Take a book, Leave a book.’ You can find out if there are any in your town by visiting https://littlefreelibrary.org/ and they will tell you the exact location and name of Little Libraries in the area. Of course, you may even come across some that aren’t registered but still free to use. So take advantage of exchanging a book you have already read for a different one.

Thrift Stores

When you buy second-hand you not only save money but also help the environment. It is amazing how many great books for my kids and myself I have found on the shelves at the thrift store. The book brand new would cost $10-$20 dollars, now I’m able to buy it for 25 cents to $1. They aren’t new condition but my kids have never said anything about the cover not being perfect.

Amazon First Reads

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, make sure to sign up for the Amazon First Reads program that is included. Each month you will receive an email to get one free Kinds book for free. There will be a selection of about 8 different titles all in a different genre for you to choose from.

To make sure you are signed up for the First Reads program, you will go to your Amazon account –> Manage Prime Membership –> See all your Prime benefits –> scroll down to Reading benefits –> click on Amazon First Reads. Follow the prompt and enjoy picking out your free Kindle book each month.

Library/Library Used Book Sales

The public library in your town is the perfect spot to check out books for free for a couple to weeks. I go at least once a week with my family to get books. To save money on all the different children’s books, this is where I get to try them out so I only buy books I know my family loves. No one wants to buy a brand new book, only to discover it isn’t the right book for your household or it won’t get read.

Most libraries have a used bookstore affiliated with the library or a couple times a year they might have a large book sale to clear out library books they aren’t using anymore. You can stock up at those large sales or browse the bookshelves regularly to find discounted books and your money benefits library programs.

Buy Holiday Books After the Holiday

Looking to expand your Christmas or Easter book collection for that time of year? Then you will want to buy those books after the holiday has already passed. This is simple supply and demand on book prices during certain times of year. Not that many people are looking to buy a Christmas book in March or Easter book in October. Prices will drop on off-season themed books so keep your eyes out and save them for the next year.

Put Books on your Birthday/Holiday Gift List

When family and/or friends are looking to get your a gift, put certain books you want on there. Make them buy the books so you don’t have to. They will be happy to get you something you will enjoy and you can enjoy getting a gift you want since it isn’t your budget.