7 Hacks to Save Money on Books

As a passionate reader and book lover, it can be disheartening to look at your bank statement at the end of the month and see how much you’ve spent on books. Reading is a wonderful habit, but unfortunately, books can be expensive. However, there are several ways to cut down on your book expenses without sacrificing your reading habit. In this article, we’ll discuss seven simple hacks to help you save money on books.

1. Sign up for loyalty programs and memberships

Many big-name bookstores offer loyalty programs and memberships that provide significant discounts and other perks to their members. For example, the Barnes and Noble membership card costs $25 per year and offers 40% off listed prices for bestsellers, daily discounts on new products, free express shipping, $50 worth of coupons and discounts, a permanent extra discount of 10% for all sale items, and more. Similarly, Books a Million (BAM) offers a membership program for $25 per year that includes free shipping, a 10% in-store discount, $100 in coupons and special deals, and unlimited free Wi-Fi access. Discount Book Sale offers a monthly membership for about $20, which provides unlimited online access to thousands of books, free shipping, and up to 30% discounts.

2. Master couponing and never pay full price again

Why pay full price when you could save money by using coupons and discount codes? There are numerous websites, such as Discontrue, BeFrugal, and Coupon Chief, that offer coupons and cashback deals for book purchases. By browsing these sites before making a purchase, you could save a significant amount of money on your books.

3. Organize a book swap

If you’re looking to declutter your home and get new books to read for free, consider organizing a book swap with friends, family, or colleagues. Alternatively, you can reach out to other book lovers online via websites like TitleTrader and PaperbackSwap, where you can swap books and earn credit to receive new ones.

4. Visit the local library

Public libraries are hidden gems where you can find books, magazines, and movies for free. Many libraries also offer free Wi-Fi access and comfortable seating areas. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to access glossy Taschen books or rare editions of books, your local library might be the perfect place to start.

5. Buy directly from the author

Many authors have personal blogs or websites where they sell newly released books for lower prices than those found at regular bookstores or online. Some authors even offer special discounts and additional bonuses when you connect with them through their website or newsletter. By buying directly from the author, you could also support their work directly.

6. Find classics online for free

If you’re a lover of classic literature, there are many websites where you can download them for free. Project Gutenberg is a public domain library with over 46,000 ebooks to download for free, mainly published before 1923, when their copyright protection expired. Another great website to find free books is DailyLit, where you can receive bite-sized parts of books each day in your inbox.

7. Make mindful purchases

Before purchasing a book, take some time to read the description and plot summary. Look for reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and even download a free sample chapter from the author’s website if they offer one. Many authors also host read meetings, webinars, and interviews where they discuss their work and read or quote sections of their books. Attending these events can offer insight into the author’s writing style, and whether you’ll enjoy reading their work.

In conclusion, by following these seven hacks, you can save money on books without sacrificing your love for reading. From signing up for loyalty programs to finding classics online for free, these tips will help you stay within your budget while still indulging in your passion for reading.