Cheap Reads: 6 Tips to Save on Books

It’s old news, but local libraries still offer an opportunity to read your favorite titles for free. And you may not have to wait as long as you think; many libraries have programs in place to get bestsellers in your hands faster. Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute, Ind., has a Bestseller Express program, which allows borrowing for seven days with no renewals. (Put your name on the hold list to wait for a copy under the regular, two-week borrowing term.)

Many libraries are expanding their digital shelves, too, with free e-books you can download to your computer or electronic reader for a few weeks. (Libraries pay per title, so there may still be a wait.) Readers can try Sony’s Library Finder to find e-book titles at local libraries.

Used copies -- even for brand-new bestsellers – are typically sold at bargain prices, says Allen. Borders.com charges $17.47 for a new copy of Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol.” At second-hand site Half.com, the cheapest “like new” used copy is $11.99 -- 31% cheaper. Hunt for your favorite titles there, and at Alibris.com and CheapestBookPrice.com.

Check for more used book sales at your local library, says Francine Trevens, a former chairwoman of The Greater New York Independent Book Publishers Association, a trade group. She also likes the selection at thrift stores. “Very often whole libraries are for sale,” Trevens says.

Many will make you a deal on a direct sale, especially if it’s a smaller company or an older title, says Trevens. At Scholastic, the publisher of the "Harry Potter" series, get 10% off and free shipping on orders of $20 or more through Oct. 31 when you use coupon code SSMSRB at checkout.

Swap sites like PaperbackSwap.com, TitleTrader.com and Bookins.com let readers trade in titles on their bookshelves for others they’d like to read. After listing a few titles, users will get credit for each one another member requests. (They’ll also typically get a few credits for joining.) Credits can be redeemed for other books on the site. Depending on the site, users will pay shipping to send or receive a book, but not both.