I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! I can’t believe how fast it is flying by. Today I wanted to share with you how to find inexpensive books. Whether you are looking for books for your own personal collection, or if you are a teacher wanting to build your classroom library. It can get pricey, but it is possible to build a library on a budget.
1. Garage Sales
Garage sales are a wonderful way to find books for about .50 to $1 each. Keep your eye out for retiring teacher garage sales too.
2. Facebook Marketplace and Garage Sale Groups
I have found large bundles of books on Facebook Market Place that people were selling for cheap, although these can be a bit of a hit or miss. Because these books are sold as a lot, they are often much cheaper than purchasing individually.
3. Library Sales
Check to see if your local library has any book sales. Both of our local libraries have large sales a few times a year where they sell old library books and books from the community. The larger library in our city has a permanent bookstore that is open a few days each week. I have found a nice variety of adult and children’s books for $1 each.
4. Thrift Stores
Check to see what Thrift Stores are near you. I have purchased books from Goodwill, Salvation army and a local second hand children’s store. Because thrift stores get new inventory all the time, it is a good idea to check often.
5. Shop Online
If there isn’t a second hand bookstore near you, you could always try Thriftbooks.com and Ebay. There are a bit more pricey than the other options because of shipping costs, but they are great if you are looking for a particular book. I have been happy with purchases from both websites. I have not purchased from here, but Barnes and Noble also has a Marketplace for used books.
6. Amazon
Amazon books tend to be more expensive than other options, but worth it if you are looking for a specific book or want a the Kindle edition. There is also an option to buy used books through Amazon, but pricing and shipping costs vary depending on the seller.
7. Scholastics Book Orders
If you are a teacher, Scholastics Book Club is a wonderful way to build a classroom library. As your students place book orders, you can earn free books and your classroom earns points that can be used for books to stock your classroom library. Even if your students don’t place any book orders, there is always a book or 2 for $1 each month. Those are worth checking out.
8. Scholastics Sales
Occasionally, Scholastics will have a sale where you can get 50 books for $50. You cannot choose your books, but you do pick the grade level for your class. This could be a quick way to build a library.
Thank you for reading!