Frugal Fridays: Reading is FUNdamental
Fri Feb 15, 2008 at 12:16:22 PM PDT
Welcome to Frugal Fridays where we share money saving tips, discuss living frugally and generally talk about personal finance issues. In response to last week's poll, I'm trying to write more diaries on money-saving tips. I don't know about the rest of you, but a non-negligible portion of my disposable income seems to go to books, so I thought I'd turn my attention this week to looking at some of the ways to save money on this addiction so many of us endure.
Before I start with the money saving tips though, I want to make the case that sometimes the cheapest option is not always the best. Authors need book sales in order to make a living and to continue churning out those tomes we love to read. So, if you can afford it, consider buying new hardback books whenever possible. These are the ones that provide them the most royalties. If you really can't afford to buy all the books you want yourself, at least request that your local library buy copies. Also, when shopping, consider buying from locally owned retailers to help your local economy and from retailers who treat their workers fairly, to help your neighbors.
OK, enough with altruism, let's get on with the self-interest portion of today's diary.
FREE SOURCES
Public libraries are amazing institutions. In most communities, if your local library doesn't have what you want, they will find it for you by interlibrary loan or by purchasing it outright. No matter how limited your budget is, you can have an inexhaustible supply of reading material just by stopping by. Be sure to remember to return them on time.
Computers and the internet have opened up other options for the total cheapskate as well. You can get electronic copies of many books totally for free without violating any copyright protections:
- Project Gutenberg has over 20,000 titles of books whose copyrights have expired.
- Baen Free Library from Baen Books makes many of their titles available for free download as well. They publish science fiction titles that are mostly in the military sub-genre.
- Google Books is one of the ways Google seeks to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." They are continuously adding new books. The nice thing is that this database is entirely searchable. However, be aware that some of these search results will only show you a portion of the book. You can't view the entire text.
- Here's a Step-By-Step Guide to finding and downloading free books over the web.
USED BOOKS
Yes, I know I said above that you should buy new when possible, but don't beat yourself up too much for buying from used sources. It's my contention that the existence of this secondary market makes it possible for more new books to be sold. People are more willing to buy new books, particularly from untried authors, if they know they will be able to recoup some of their costs by reselling them later. In addition, if you are looking for a book that is out-of-print, this is generally your only source.
On-Line Used Book Sources
Paperback Swap and Book Mooch are two sites with similar business models. You join their site (it's free) and enter the books you want to get rid of in their database. If someone requests one, you send it to them and you pay the shipping costs. If you request someone else's book, they send it to you free of charge. You get a one-for-one exchange rate.
Abe Books and Alibris are great sources for used, rare or out-of-print books.
I've had good luck finding used books through Amazon as well.
Brick and Mortar Used Book Sources
Check your local phone book to find used book stores in your area. If you are lucky enough to live in a college town, you can usually find several well stocked places.
If you are truly a used book aficionado, you should consider making a pilgramage to Hay-on-Wye in Wales. This little town is home to over 30 booksellers, most of them used bookshops.
Closer to home, definitely make some time to go book shopping if you are ever in New Orleans. I've found great little used and new bookshops tucked in all over that town. I think the same is true for Boston.
If you are in Southern California, try to make it up to Ojai and check out Bart's Books which takes advantage of the lovely weather there by storing most of their books outside. If you stop by when the shop is closed, you can still access some of the books that are sold on the honor system.
NEW BOOKS
There's nothing like holding a brand new book in your hand. The creaking sound of a binding being opened for the first time, the smell of the ink and paper. It's a magical door to another world that no one has ever opened before. But let's face it. Books are expensive. I personally find it hard to justify spending $25 for something that will provide only a few hours of enjoyment. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options for finding discounted new books.
If you know exactly what you want, you can usually find a much better deal on-line than you will in person. However, when I'm browsing for something new, I like to do this in a store where I can physically examine the book and maybe read a chapter or so before I decide. You can still find discounts when you shop in person, but it is harder than when you shop on-line.
On-Line New Book Sources
Better World Books and Powell's are both stores you can feel good about shopping at. Unfortunately, they don't offer as deep discounts as some other stores who may support political causes you don't agree with or may not treat their employees as well.
If you are a Costco member, their on-line bookshop can offer significant discounts, but their selection is quite limited.
Barnes and Noble is another good on-line source. One person recommended them because they allow you to place your order over the phone, avoiding some of the identity theft risks that can come with on-line shopping.
I know it's not that popular around here, but I still like to shop at Amazon. I have yet to find another site that offers all they do (selection, service, ease of use, reviews, etc.) for the prices they have.
I'm not a huge fan of Ebay, but many people have recommended their book sales department Half.com
Brick and Mortar New Book Sources
You can use Book Sense to find independent bookstores in your area. The one I shop at has a frequent buyer's club (buy 10 get one free). Ask if yours has a similar program.
Costco's in-store selection is quite limited, but books are usually priced at 40% off retail.
Half Price Books and Crown Books offer remaindered books at steep discounts. You have to sift through a lot of sludge, but you can sometimes find a great bargain.
Borders Books has a free rewards program for shoppers. Each week they offer new coupons, usually 20-30% off one item. Barnes & Noble has a similar program that costs $25 per year, but gives you discounts on every purchase. You can also find more coupons for Borders, Barnes & Noble and lots of other places at Coupon Cabin.
Frugal Tip of the Week: Netroots Nation is running a Valentine's special sale on registrations: $50 off per person when 2 register at the same time. Offer good for a limited time, so act now.
Also, if you are a Daily Kos foodie who would like to attend NN 08, but just can't afford it, or if you'd like to help out people who are in that position, contact renaissance grrrl who is trying to organize a scholarship program.
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