As we know books are a joy to read but they can be expensive. If you are a student, a parent, a teacher, or just a book lover, the cost of building your personal library can add up quickly. The good news is, you do not have to pay full price to enjoy great stories and knowledge.
In this post, we will show you how to save money on books, both physical and digital without giving up your love for reading. From library apps to discount memberships, there’s a smart strategy for everyone.
8 Smart And Easy Tips To Save Money On Books
1. Subscribe Smart: Use Book Clubs & Memberships
One of the easiest ways to save money on books is to join a subscription or membership service. Many book clubs give you access to high-quality reads at a much lower price than retail.
For example:
- Book of the Month Club offers brand-new hardcovers at around $10–$15 each.
- Kindle Unlimited gives unlimited access to thousands of eBooks for a flat monthly fee.
- Prime Reading (free with Amazon Prime) lets you borrow a rotating selection of eBooks and magazines.
These memberships are great if you read often. You will spend less and still enjoy new titles each month.
2. Grab Free or Cheap eBooks
If you have a Kindle, Nook, or any eReader, there are many ways to find free and discounted eBooks.
Try these tips:
- Visit Amazon’s Kindle Deals section for daily discounts.
- Check out Nook’s Free eBooks for classic and current titles.
- Use sites like BookBub or Goodreads Deals to track book price drops.
eBooks are often much cheaper than print, and you do not have to worry about shipping or storage.
3. Borrow Books for Free Using Library Apps
Your public library is one of the best places to get books for free. You do not even have to go in person!
Apps like Libby and OverDrive let you:
- Borrow eBooks and audiobooks with your library card.
- Read on your phone, tablet, or Kindle.
- Place holds and renew books easily.
These apps are perfect for readers who want to save space and money.
4. Save Big on Audiobooks
Do you love listening to books while driving, walking, or cooking? Audiobooks can be expensive but you can still save money on books.
Here is how to save money on books:
- Try free trials of services like Audible or Audiobooks.com
- Use your library’s Libby app to borrow audiobooks for free
- Check Spotify and YouTube, which sometimes feature full books for free
- Explore Prime Reading, which includes some audiobooks too
Audiobooks can turn your spare time into reading time without breaking the bank.
5. Shop Smarter at Major Bookstores
If you prefer the feel of a real book in your hands, you can still save when buying physical copies.
Tips for saving at big stores:
- Barnes & Noble offers discounts for members and teachers
- Books-A-Million has coupon codes and bargain book sections
- Sign up for email newsletters to get promo offers and early sales alerts
Also, always check the used books section in-store or online—it’s a goldmine for deals.
6. Bonus Tips to Stretch Your Book Budget
Here are a few extra ways to read more for less:
- Buy used books from thrift stores, garage sales, or secondhand bookstores.
- Swap books with friends, family, or local book groups.
- Join local Facebook book swap groups or look for deals on Marketplace.
- Check your local school or synagogue libraries, which often have free lending sections.
- Use cash-back apps when shopping online for books.
Every small saving adds up and helps you read more without spending more.
7. Borrow Books from Friends
Borrowing books from friends is one of the oldest and simplest ways to enjoy more reading without spending a dime. Chances are, your friends have books they have finished or are happy to lend.
You can swap titles you both love, get personal recommendations, and even discover new genres you might not have picked up otherwise. This not only helps you save money but also builds a deeper connection with fellow readers in your circle.
To make it work smoothly:
- Create a small book lending group or chat with friends who love reading.
- Keep track of borrowed books and return them in good condition.
- Set borrowing timeframes if needed, especially for popular or in-demand titles.
- Offer your own books in return it encourages sharing and keeps the exchange fair.
This approach is budget-friendly, sustainable, and adds a personal touch to your reading experience.
8. Read More, Spend Less
Books bring joy, knowledge, and growth. But they don’t have to cost a fortune. Once you know how to save money on books, you will never have to choose between your love for reading and your budget.
Start small borrow a book from Libby, check out an Amazon deal, or try a free audiobook trial. Over time, you will build a personal library full of favorites, without emptying your wallet.
📌 FAQs
Q1: What is the best way to save money on books?
Use free library apps like Libby, subscribe to a book membership, and look for ebook deals online.
Q2: Can I get books for free legally?
Yes! Libraries, Amazon’s free ebooks, and apps like Nook or BookBub offer plenty of legal free options.
Q3: How can I save money on audiobooks?
Try Audible’s free trial, borrow from Libby, or listen on Spotify and YouTube.
Q4: Are book clubs and subscriptions worth it?
Yes, especially if you read regularly. They offer big savings on new books and exclusive content.
