I think for many of us book lovers, book-buying and actually reading said books are pretty much separate hobbies. And so this is a resource for those who would like to build their physical library, no matter how big or small, without breaking the bank. Plus, what better feeling is there than buying something for cheap? I’d say hardly much else! However, where does one bother to find books that are consistently affordable and in relatively good condition?

Local bookstores that sell used copies or chains like Half Price Books are obviously great options, but I have found more luck in getting what I want by first checking out Book Outlet. Not only do they sell used books but also overstock books. Essentially, a traditional retailer did not sell their stock the way they expected to, and so they in turn sell their unsold books to an online retailer like Book Outlet at a discounted price. Then, that online retailer sells it to the consumer for at least 50 percent off list price. Many of these books are in mint condition, and Book Outlet often holds extra sales around the holidays, saving you even more money. Of course, if you spend under thirty-five dollars there’s shipping fees, but I’ve managed to get anywhere between four to six books for that amount. So, in my opinion, it’s still a relatively good deal. They have many popular options by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Freida McFadden, Brandon Sanderson, Stephen King, and so on—so there’s a wide variety of genres to sift through. They sometimes sell out, but they also restock. So, if you keep a close eye on their website, you might find something you’ve been looking for. There are also websites such as ThriftBooks, for more rare and out-of-print titles, or Better World Books, which offers free shipping on purchases over fifteen dollars. Sometimes even overseas sellers like the UK’s Blackwell’s will have slightly cheaper (and even prettier covers) books than the US, and they offer free (albeit slow) shipping to certain countries.

But of course, not everyone has the time to sit around stalking what website has what in stock, so another option is something called book swapping/exchange. Platforms like Reddit (or even Facebook) can connect you with other people in your area (or even nationally if you don’t mind shipping fees) where you can exchange a book that you have that someone else wants for a book that you want. Naturally, make sure to exercise caution when dealing with strangers online, but rest assured there have been many success stories.

If you like to go on little adventures, finding a little library in your city is also another option, free of cost. Little Free Library is an amazing website that’ll help you find the closest little library to you, and it’s also a great way to find a more suitable home for a book you personally didn’t like. You may not be buying a book, but there’s also no need to return a book if you end up loving it.

Speaking of, the library is perhaps one of the last places people think of when it comes to book buying. And although there are many benefits to borrowing, the wait times for more popular titles can sometimes take months or even a full year. However, you can in fact buy from there too! Some local libraries will hold special events for all the extra books that have been donated or acquired over the years, but some will also have an all-year option available for purchase as well. I’ve found plenty of donated books at my local library that feel brand new and are only sold for a whopping fifty cents to a dollar. And the best part is that money simply goes right back to help support the library. So maybe next time you’re at your local library, you might want to ask around or take a closer look and realize that the books on the shelf they keep by the front door aren’t for borrowing but for buying. 

Ultimately, I hope this offers some insight about exploring the wealth of online resources and what your local community has to offer. By putting in just a bit more effort, you can discover affordable options while simultaneously supporting ethical businesses and initiatives—owning a good book doesn’t have to come at the expense of hard-earned money or sustainability.

Written by Leena Altamimi.