A Frugal Friday Column contributed by Susanne of The Hillbilly Housewife.
Since we’re getting close to International Literacy Day on September 8th, I thought I’d talk about a few frugal ways to get books.
photo credit: popofatticus
I love to read and want our daughter to develop a deep love for books as well. Of course that means that I need to have plenty of things for her (and me) to read at all times.
Our first stop each week is to the library. I love the fact that we can get and read all kinds of different books for free. And since we are doing this frugally, we’re taking good care of the books and return them on time to avoid late fees.
But it doesn’t have to stop there. I believe that your child also needs to own books to develop a true appreciation for them. Sure, you could go out and spend a fortune at a fancy bookstore, but there are also all kinds of frugal ways to get books for yourself and your kids.
Libraries often hold sales once or twice a year and you can find some great bargains there. Look for books in thrift shops, flea markets and at yard sales. Some of our most treasured hard bound books were found there and we’ve often paid less than 25 cents for them.
Check your yellow pages for used book stores in your town. You can often bring in your own used books and sell them to the bookstore for store credit.
If you can’t find the books you want locally, check out ebay and craigslist. I’ve found some great lots of children’s books there and ended up paying pennies per book.
Last but not least, take a look at freecycle.org. See if anyone is offering free books, and if not, put out a request for them. You’ll be surprised how many people gladly hand you a box of books.
More From TracySusanne Myers shares frugal living and budgeting articles at The Hillbilly Housewife and on her blog. She is also author of the Hillbilly Housewife’s Spring Cleaning Guide. Grab your copy today at http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/ebooks/springcleaning.htm
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