Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, so if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission.
I love to save money on things, and saving money on books is no exception. If you’re a book lover on a budget, you know the thrill of finding a great read at a bargain price.
I have discovered several ways to get books cheaply when I don’t feel like visiting our library. And yes, borrowing books from the library for free is the most frugal option available. But if you’re looking to add to your own personal library—or just aren’t a fan of the borrowing limits, waiting lists, and drive-time to and from a library—I’ve got some frugal alternatives for you.
Online
1. ThriftBooks (thriftbooks.com)
- Free shipping on orders $15+
- Choose the condition of the book (New, Like New, Very Good, Good, Fair)
- Use my referral link to sign up for the ReadingRewards program. Spend $30 and earn a free book!
2. AbeBooks (abebooks.com)
- Free shipping on select books
- Great for hard-to-find editions
3. Better World Books (betterworldbooks.com)
- Free shipping on orders $15+
- Every purchase helps fund literacy programs
4. eBay (ebay.com)
- Huge variety of prices and shipping options
- Great backup if other sites don’t have the book you’re after
💡 Tip: Sign up for these sites’ email lists to get exclusive coupon codes, and check the homepage banners for current deals.
Thrift Stores & Retail Deals
5. Goodwill
Every trip is a treasure hunt! Typical prices:
- Adult hardback books: $2.99
- Adult paperback books: $1.99
- Kids’ books: $0.99
👉 Look for the “color of the week” sticker to score 50% off—or 99¢ on Sundays.
6. Used Bookstores
- Usually cheaper than big chains
- Many offer trade-ins for store credit or cash
Library Book Sales
7. Friends of the Library Sales
Many libraries sell donated or retired books all year or during quarterly/annual sales.
💡 Example: My local library has its own bookstore where children’s books are 2 for $1, and adult books are just a little more. They even hold “fill a bag” sales a few times a year.
Garage & Yard Sales
8. Neighborhood Garage Sales
- Books are usually $1 or less
- Look for boxes marked “4 for $1” or even better deals
Additional Ideas to Save on Books
9. Facebook Marketplace
- Buy from local sellers to skip shipping costs
- Resell books after reading to break even
10. Book Trading
- Swap with friends and family
- Search local Facebook “book swap” groups
11. Little Free Libraries
- Community book boxes with a “take a book, leave a book” system
- Find one near you at littlefreelibrary.org
12. Digital Book Deals
- Check Kindle Daily Deals, BookBub, or Libby
- Opt for slower Amazon delivery to earn free Kindle credits
💬 Final Thoughts
Where’s the best place you’ve ever found a bargain book? Share your favorite book-buying tip in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to save!
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