How to Get Free or Cheap Books
Alright, I'll admit it. I have a book addiction. But there are worse addictions out there (at least that's how I defend myself to my husband!). I know that a good old library card is the most economical option, but I love the idea of building my personal library for me and my family to enjoy.
These days, buying new books can be a pricey habit. Trade paperbacks are usually around $15-$18, while hardcovers can be upwards of $30! Of course hardcover books are the sturdiest option, but $100 for only three books?! No, thank you. Of course, if you can spare the expense, buying a book at full price is the best option, as it ensures that the author is getting paid their due share. But as a college student, I know that this is not always possible. So how can you combat this dilemma when you're short on cash?
1. Thrift Stores
In my hometown of Seattle, thrift stores are a staple. When I moved to Florida, however, the looks I received after mentioning I shop at Goodwill were that of pure disgust. You may not find second-hand clothes shopping appealing, but thrift stores are a goldmine for cheap books! Research the thrift stores in your area and take a peek around; they'll often have books in excellent, even like-new condition for an unbeatable price! (Note that I recommend wiping down the book covers with a sanitary wipe before shelving them to remove any dirt and make them look brand new.) In my town, there are three stores I visit weekly; my favorite has a room filled with books, all for only $0.50 each, no matter the condition-----once they even had a 10 for $1 sale! Between the three stores, my books average a whopping $1 each. The huge stack of 19 books pictured here comprised my latest haul, totaling a mere $16+tax. Yas, gurl *finger snaps*.
2. Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)
Gone are the days when only popular book critics with thousands of followers received ARCs, free advanced copies of books distributed well before the official publication date. There are tons of programs available for the everyday reader to get their hands on an ARC, though it is most likely an e-reader version. A simple Google search of "how to get a free ARC" will direct you where to go! However, I am old school and prefer a physical book to see and smell as I read it (don't judge me, every bookworm smells their books!). This is why I am eternally grateful to work at Barnes & Noble, where we frequently receive free ARCs to read in order to recommend these titles to customers to pre-order, or once the book arrives on our "New Releases" table at the front of the store. Note that Goodreads is a great website to search and review books, and they also offer free giveaways. Frequently, these are physical ARCs, but it is difficult to win as it is a random drawing.
3. Thriftbooks.com
Thriftbooks is an excellent source for cheap books, especially when you have a particular title in mind that you haven't yet found at the thrift store. They have paperback books starting at around $3, but the real deal are the "very good" and "like new" condition hardbacks for around $4-----talk about a steal! Unless you aren't picky about the condition of your books, I would recommend purchasing the "like new" titles, which ensures their quality and durability. And it gets better: all orders over $10 ship for free, plus they frequently advertise promo codes for 15% off your entire order!
4. Barnes & Noble Credit Card*
From a young age, we have been told to steer clear of credit cards, for with them comes years of debt and bankruptcy. Let's set the record straight: when used responsibly and paid off in full every month, credit cards are a vital asset when attempting to build credit! I got my first credit card at the age of eighteen, and have established a habit of paying off my balance weekly. As a result, I have a credit score in the "excellent" range while other millennials my age are suddenly realizing that no loans (credit cards, car payments, student loans, etc.) means no credit-----and credit is mandatory for purchasing cars, houses, etc.
Okay, moving on to my main point!
Most store credit cards have no annual fees, but only work at that particular store. Barnes & Noble, on the other hand, offers a rewards card that can be used anywhere without an annual fee, and you receive a $25 B&N gift card after your first purchase using the card! You earn 1 point for every dollar spent and 2x points at restaurants, in addition to 5% back on all B&N purchases. For every 2,500 points earned, they send you another $25 B&N gift card! I use my card to pay for gas, rent, groceries, and all other miscellaneous expenses throughout the month for which I would normally use my debit card. I pay it off weekly and receive at least one $25 gift card each month to get brand new books for cheap! And did I mention you receive a year of B&N membership for free? Build your credit + discounted books = one happy bookworm.
*This is not sponsored, but boy it should be.
