If you don't have a library card, the first stop should be the library to get one. There are so many free services and borrowing options there. You can also download e-books through Hoopla with a library card (which was invaluable during the Covid lockdown). While you are there, if you're looking for a book club many libraries offer them. There are many Little Free Libraries in our neighborhood where you can take a book and leave a book, look online for your neighborhood locations. The Gutenberg Project also has public domain books available for free download.
Dolly Parton' Imagination Library is a program to promote childhood reading and provide books free for children under the age of five. Go to Imagination Library for more information.
You may register your child here.
Project Gutenberg has a site where digitized public domain books are available for free download. The copyright of books published in the U.S. before 1923 has expired and they are now public domain.
I've talked about this before (I'm an avid reader) but it's worth mentioning again. There are lots of places you can get free or inexpensive books.
If you have a Kindle or e-reader you can find a lot and especially if you like to read the classics (most are part of public domain and are free). You don't have to buy an expensive e-reader if you don't need color and all the bells and whistles which go with the more advanced ones. Although the cheapest Kindle at the moment is around $80, look out for sales and consider signing up for Amazon's credit card with an immediate $50 credit. (I purchased my Kindle this way and ended up paying only $7). You can also download books to your phone.
Library
Friends of the Library - They often sell books for as little as 10cents
Amazon Kindle - Search for free books (select the category you want)
E-Book Junkie - I haven't used this but there are lots of free books on the site
Paperback Swap - Your only cost is postage when someone orders a book from you. When you choose someone else's book it's free.
Yard sales - I've found books rarely sell well so often you can bargain, especially if you're buying a few
Charity shops - Goodwill and Salvation Army usually have a few shelves of books
Half Price Books - Take your old books in and use whatever you get for them (it won't be much) toward a "new" book.
Little libraries - These are sprouting up in neighborhoods so look out for them. You take a book and leave a book.
So far this year, I've spent very little on books even though I usually read over 50 a year. I did have a gift card for Half Price Books which I used, and I purchased a few at a local bookstore (Dog Eared Books) for a minimal amount. Here's some of the places you can get free or inexpensive books.
Library - Your local library is great for both books and DVDs. Some libraries offer books for Kindle and other e-readers. Rather than browsing library shelves, I order them online and pick up the books when they come in. You can also order books for e-readers and you don't have to "return" - they become unavailable on your Kindle after about two weeks.
Friends of the Library - Check and see if your library has a group that raises money for library projects. They have inexpensive books for sale and may also have a yearly Blow Out Book Sale.
Amazon - Some of the used paperback books can be purchased fairly cheaply (shipping is usually $3.99). But if there is a book that I haven't been able to find elsewhere, I purchase it on Amazon using my cash back bonus from Discover (you can choose this option at checkout if your card has cashback and is listed on your account).
Amazon - There are many books available that are free for Kindle (you can also read these on your PC). Search for "Free Kindle Books" then use the drop down list to select a specific genre. (You can get an almost free Kindle device by signing up for a Visa credit card through Amazon.
Paperback swap - Exchange books you no longer read by listing books on their site. When someone purchases it you pay for shipping and receive a credit. When you choose a book to read, it is sent to you without any charge and a credit is deducted from your account.
Half-E-Bay This is a site by E-Bay that has used books for sale. You can also search on the E-Bay site for books. I purchased a large set of children's books for under $20.
Giveaways - Search blogs for giveaways. (there is also list of blogs on my Cozy in Texas blog sidebar that often do giveaways). Follow directions on blog post to enter.
Here are some of my favorite books I've read so far this year. Look at my other blog, Cozy in Texas to read book reviews.
