If you’re in a position where you can’t afford a Kindle, stacks upon stacks of hardcover books, or multiple Ikea bookcases, just know that you’re not alone. Being a reader, depending on how you approach it, can be a very cheap and affordable hobby, or it can consume your finances. For many, like myself at many points in my life, the latter is not totally feasible.
Again, you’re not alone! There’s absolutely no shame in being a reader and simultaneously being unable to afford books, bookcases, and the like. Many folks are strapped for cash or are honestly just trying to be more responsible with their finances; I’m trying to be more responsible with my finances too. Until you’re able to afford a collection of your own, there’s resources to help you cope with your reading addiction. 😉
Here are the 5 reading options that won’t break the bank.
1) Your local library
This one may be obvious to most, but the best place to read as many books as you want for free is your local library. It’s free if you live in the same town/county/district that the library is in. Depending on the size of the library, they’ll have all kinds of books, even sections for authors and poets local to your area/state.
Interlibrary loans are also quite handy if your library doesn’t have the items that you’re looking for. Please check with your local library because some will charge for interlibrary loans and some won’t, so it’s best to ask ahead of time.
Public libraries also offer way more than just a free ticket to reading as many books as you please; they also offer free access to computers and internet, printers, records and other resources for research, academic help sections, reading programs, and so much more! Again, check with the librarians or the library’s website to see all that they’re able to offer.
2) The Overdrive and Libby Apps
The Overdrive app connects to your library account so that you can borrow digital materials. It’s customizable so you can alter the font size, margin, and contrast to really make it an enjoyable reading experience! Emmmabooks mentioned this on her YouTube channel, so I decided to give it a try. I’ve only downloaded this app, so . . . I haven’t used it yet. (*nervous laugh*) I’m planning on using it in the near future though.
Libby is the updated version of Overdrive, but I haven’t downloaded or tried this one out yet either. Both of these options are connected to your library account through your local library, so they’re both free to use.
3) YouTube
YouTube has free audiobooks of classics that are in the public domain, like Wuthering Heights, the works of Jane Austen, The Secret Garden, and other works.
While the quality and availability can’t be guaranteed, these audiobook options work in a pinch.
I would mainly recommend YouTube be used for BookTube videos and creators. Practically all of my book recommendations come from BookTubers I love to watch. I’ll save my recommendations for those for another time. 😉
4) Trading and Borrowing from Friends
This was my main source of reading when I was elementary school age. There were a lot of reasons that prevented me from going to the library or buying books, which I won’t get into today.
I had an amazing best friend growing up (she still is my bestie!) and her family had an extensive home library, so when we went to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, she would bring books for me to read.
If you know someone or have a friend that has a large book collection, or just books that you’re interested in reading, ask them! It doesn’t hurt to ask. Who knows? You and your friend could even pool your resources and build a collection together. The possibilities are endless!
5) ThriftBooks
I left this option for last because it’s the only one that initially requires money. ThriftBooks is an inexpensive and pretty easy site to use to buy books, create wishlists, or just browse. I’ve used ThriftBooks off and on for the last couple of years, and I’ve had a good experience every time I use it. There’s multiple purchase options, so buying a brand-new hardcover is not your only option here. You can buy your favorite books used, in good condition, brand-new, or whatever you’re comfortable with.
A bonus with this site is that they have a points system. Their “ReadingRewards” program accumulates points with every purchase you make, gradually adding up so you can earn free books! There’s also a referral program, something just for teachers, and different levels of book buying.
By clicking my link here, you’ll earn a free book credit if you spend $30 or more! And with the prices being so affordable, $30 will buy you a LOT of books. 😉 My link: https://myjasthoughts.com/white-stag-spoiler-free-book-review/_wp_link_placeholder
Well, here are my recommendations for affordable reading options. A lot of these have been recommended to me, or I discovered on my own. In all honesty, there’s only one of the options that I haven’t tried yet, but I’ve heard multiple good reviews of it/them, so it’s worth a shot!
Have you used these sites and services before? What are your experiences with them? Do you have other suggestions for affordable reading options? Let me know in the comments below!