You have a habit, and you have to support that habit. Paperbacks and comic book issues are cheap, but hardcover books, graphic novels, and trade paperbacks are quite a chunk of change — and if you buy many at a time like some of us do, it’s a huge chunk of change!
Because we all love books and also love saving money, here are ten ways that you will be able to save without going through withdrawals.
Buy $1 Books at Stop & Shop
I’ve seen a bookshelf full of secondhand books in the checkout area at several Stop & Shop stores. Most of these are sleazy romance novels, but I’ve found some treasures. I got one of the Shannara books by Terry Brooks for a buck one time, and I’ve always loved the Shannara series. Even better, the proceeds are donated to charity.
Read Entire Books and Comics Online for Free
Many authors post a few chapters from their new or upcoming books, but I’ve also seen entire books for free. The Oatmeal and Hyperbole and a Half post their own web comics for free, and both Marvel and DC offer free previews as well as a few free complete issues, and charge 99ยข for other complete issues. Image Comics lets you read the first issue of dozens of their comics for free.
Get Books on Craigslist for Free
My friend once got a whole box full of Stephen King novels from a Craigslist listing. They were the good ones, too — some of which even I haven’t read! People go through their stuff all of the time, and Craigslist is a great way to reap the rewards. (I get to reap those rewards, too; when I asked my friend how much she payed, she offered to pass on the ones she’s read!)
Set Up a Book Swap
Get all of your friends to put together the books they’ve read and would like to trade, and hold a book swap. No one walks away without something new, and you can donate the leftovers to Goodwill, a thrift store, the Boys and Girls Club, or the charity of your choice.
Scavenge Your Neighborhood for Books at Yard Sales
Sometimes people need to get rid of their stuff, but they also need a little extra cash. Lucky for us bookworms, you can get their books for cheap. Keep your eyes open for some golden comics, too, because some people don’t know the value of them and just want to make space.
Visit Local Used Bookstores
Several years ago, I went to a tiny bookstore downtown with a couple of friends, and walked out with books I’d always wanted but couldn’t afford to buy new. You would be surprised at what stores are in your area. Find a used bookstore in your city or town by going to Google and searching “bookstore [your city]“.
Buy Used Books Online
It still thrills me that you can buy used books online. Both Amazon and Barnes and Noble carry used copies of the books they sell. You can almost always find a used copy if the paperback or hardcover is out of your budget. They even have used comics! Both sites also offer sweet shipping deals.
Buy a Barnes and Noble Membership
You will save a hell of a lot by getting a BN membership if you have the extra $25 for the year. That $25 may seem hard to part with when you have two books in your arms that you absolutely have to buy, but it’s well worth it if you’re a frequent customer. (Hi!)
Sign Up for a Library Card
Don’t forget about your local library! Anyone with proof of residency can get a card, and it’s free. You can read all of the books you want, and most libraries carry graphic novels. If you forget to bring them back on time, the late fees are very small; my library charges under a dollar a day, per day over the due date.
Read Comics
Comics are the cheapest form of literature you can buy. DC Comics just lowered all of their prices, so most of their comic books are $2.99. Image also only charges a couple bucks. Sadly, Marvel is still in the dark ages, and apparently doesn’t want to give their customers a break. Many people buy a dozen issues at a time. If you buy twelve comic books at $3.99, you’re dishing out almost fifty bucks, as opposed to just a little over $35.
How do you support your book habit without going broke? Share your tips in the comments!
