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
Alibris – http://www.alibris.com
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnobles.com
Borders
http://www.borders.com
Chegg
Powell?s Books
Free E-Books
Baen Free 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
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
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
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