As many of you know, I love
to read. I average around 30 books per year, and this year I am on pace to hit
around 40. Reading brings me so much joy, and I love to recommend good books to
friends. I can promise I'll be bringing some your way soon.
First, though, I've been
asked several times where I find my books. Walking in to Barnes & Noble and
buying books at full price can be expensive. While I dream of having the money
to do that someday, right now I read books as inexpensively as possible. Here
are six ways I've found to make reading affordable.
1. The Library!
I typically go to the library for children's books. The idea of wandering
through the adult sections with all the kids in tow makes me anxious. I have
visions of an old librarian shushing me and glaring in my direction. Then
someone pointed out to me that I can place books on hold. Life. Changed. Now, I
request books through my library's online website, get an email when they come
in, and go pick them up in the hold section. Free books, less stress- a win all
around!
2. Overdrive/ Axis 360
Most libraries offer an online platform
to read e-books or listen to audio books. You can find it by asking a librarian
or checking your local library's website. My library used to use Overdrive and
recently switched to Axis 360. I love that I can request e-books and read them
for free from home. You can request popular books, old books, books
yet-to-be-released (you just have to wait until they are released to read
those). Even better, there are no late fees. The app simply removes the book
from your device when your rental period ends.
3. Amazon
Amazon offers books at consistently low
prices, and they frequently run deals on books and e-books. I keep a wishlist
of books I'd like to buy, and check it every so often for sales. I also follow
a number of my favorite authors over social media and they will promote their
books when they go on sale. Amazon also often does 99¢ e-book deals that I take advantage of.
(See #6 for more specifics on e-book deals!)
4. Scribd
Scribd is a paid subscription service that
gives you access to ebooks, audio books, and magazines. This is the only paid
book subscription service I use. For $8.99, my kids and I can read a wide
variety of current and past books and audio books. Eli uses Scribd every day
during our afternoon rest time to listen to his favorite chapter books
(like Magic
Tree House, Boxcar Children, and Beverly Cleary books).
I love that Scribd works across multiple devices like my
Kindle tablet and my phone. Plus, I can "save" books in my account
under different folders so that the kids and I can each access our own
choices.
5. Audible
Audible has a wide array of audio book
options. You can subscribe monthly, or you can purchase books individually. I
don't have a subscription, but I have bought a couple books through them. The
benefit is that even if you don't have a subscription, you can keep and access
the books you purchase at any time.
6. E-Book
Deals
Modern Mrs. Darcy, one of my favorite bloggers,
promotes daily e-book deals. She often gives her own opinions of the books, or
references helpful reviews of them, so that you don't buy "blind". I
check her site every few weeks and usually find at least one book to buy for
under $2.
Bonus: Ask a friend! You never know
what books might be on a friend's shelf waiting for you to borrow.
I hope you are able to enjoy more books
this summer. How do you find good deals on books? I'd love to hear your tips
and tricks!
Affliate links used in this post. If you buy through the links,
know I am grateful for your support!
