F is for Frugal : Book Edition

The word Frugal in white text with black outline against a backdrop of large green and black dollar signs.

This is the first in a series of monthly posts about Frugal Living. It seemed appropriate to start with the topic of books.

General Advice

  • Check out books at your local library.
  • Don’t forget your local Friends of the Library store when looking for a book fix, spend less and support your library. Additionally, check out online book clubs, they often have a section where members can swap or giveaway books.
  • Go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and sit and read for free.’ They actively encourage this so don’t feel bad if you don’t buy something.
  • Before you buy a book ask yourself this question, Will I read this book at least once for every $1 spend on it? If the answer is no consider my first two suggestions on how to read for free.
  • If you wish to purchase a book new consider signing up for Borders (weekly coupons) or Barnes and Noble (monthly coupons) E-mail, Borders requires free sign-up in their rewards club, Barnes and Noble coupons are separate from their book club. Also consider place a pre-order online, Amazon often offers extra discounts for pre-orders. Many booksellers offer discounts on a broad selection of books if you buy them online and most offer free shipping with a minimum purchase ranging from $25-$50.
  • For hardcover books and textbooks check out the following websites for used copies before buying a new copy. (NOTE: Some times New Copies on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com sold by 3rd party sellers are as cheaper than discounted new copies from internet book retailers, compare prices for the best deal.)

Abe Books http://www.abebooks.com

Alibrishttp://www.alibris.com

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnobles.com

Borders

http://www.borders.com

Chegg

http://www.chegg.co

Powell?s Books

http://www.powells.com

Free E-Books

Baen Free Library

http://www.baen.com/library/

International Children?s Digital Library

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/The National Academy Press –http://www.nap.edu/The Online Book Page

http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/

Project Gutenberg

http://www.gutenberg.org/

Public Literature.Org

http://publicliterature.org/online-book-catalog/

The Internet Public Library?s collection of Online Texts
http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/hum60.60.00

Websites of Interest

Book Mooch

http://www.bookmooch.com

Library Thing Early Reviewers

http://www.librarything.com/er/list

Library Thing Member Give Away

http://www.librarything.com/er/giveaway/list

Paper Back Swap

http://www.PaperBackSwap.com

Books on Frugal Living

The Complete Tightwad Gazette

America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams

The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and Fun) Guide to Enjoying Life More by Spending Less

Miserly Moms: Living on One Income in a Two-Income Economy