Budget-Friendly Book Buying Hacks Every Reader Should Know
- Charli Thomas
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you love books and if you love books, you’ll also know how expensive this hobby can be. New releases aren’t cheap - and don’t even get me started on special editions or those gorgeous sprayed edges!
That said, there will always be space in my heart (and on my shelves) for beautiful books. Plus, it is so important to support independent bookshops. But with a little creativity, we can still keep our favourite hobby affordable. Here are my hacks for more affordable, budget-friendly book shopping!
1. Buy Second-Hand Books
Most charity shops, found on pretty much every high street, have shelves full of second-hand gems. Keep an open mind: you might not spot the exact title on your TBR list, but you could discover new authors or genres for as little as £1.
Did you know you can also buy books on Vinted!? I audibly gasped when a friend told me this. Even better, their “bundle” option (buying multiple books from the same seller) saves on postage. Vinted is perfect if you’re after specific titles, including recent releases. Honestly, it’s a treasure trove.
Other great online spots for pre-loved books include World of Books and Oxfam’s online store.
2. Join Your Local Library
Your local library is free to join and gives you access to a huge collection of books. But here’s where it gets even better:
If your library uses OverDrive, borrow e-books on your e-reader. Loans are for three weeks, or you can place holds on future reads. Full instructions here for Kobo e-readers and Kindle e-readers!
You can download the Libby app on your phone or tablet to borrow e-books and audiobooks instantly. You can even add multiple library cards to expand your catalogue. Access the Libby app here.
Top tip: when borrowing e-books, you don’t have to be in the area where you’re registered, since there’s no physical copy involved. So, if you’re visiting another city, join their library while you are there for even more choice!
3. Set Up a Book Swap
Book swaps are a brilliant (and free!) way to find unexpected reads. We’ve hosted them at Chapter 25 book club meets, but you could also set up a book swap shelf at work, or even arrange a swap with friends.
If you are swapping with people you know well, you can begin to tailor recommendations to their likes and dislikes, as well as encourage people to read some new styles! It’s a great way to try something new, and almost always spark some bookish conversations.
4. Spotify Audiobooks
I’m one of those people who doesn’t like silence, so my Spotify account is in constant use. In 2022, Spotify started offering premium users access to over 300,000 audiobooks, including bestsellers, classics and new releases.
The only catch is a 15-hour limit per month, but that’s still enough for one or two books. If you already have a premium Spotify account, the good news is you don’t have to do anything - just make sure you’re the main account holder if you’re on a Duo or Family plan! Just search for an audiobook you want to listen to and indulge.
5. Book Giveaways
What’s better than cheap books? Free ones! It is really common for authors, publishers and bookshops to offer competitions and giveaways via social media, mailing list or on their website. Some of the most popular giveaways can often be found with Waterstones, LoveReading and Penguin. Chapter 25 also runs monthly giveaways – not always books, but always bookish – so a quick follow or sign-up could land you a brand-new treat for nothing.
6. Loyalty Schemes
If you’re often in the same bookshop, check whether they have a loyalty scheme. Waterstones “Plus” and Foyles "Foyalty” stamps (great name, right?) are brilliant examples. These schemes can mean money off future purchases, early access to sales, or entry into exclusive giveaways. Independent bookshops often run their own versions too, so don’t be shy about asking.
7. BONUS For Chapter 25 Members
As a Chapter 25 member, you get access to tons of benefits beyond just your local book club. This includes shopping discounts with Harper Collins and Bookshop.org, as well as a 90-day free Bookbeat subscription. All the details are here, with more benefits being added all the time!
So there you have it—plenty of ways to keep reading without spending a fortune. Whether you’re swapping with friends, borrowing from the library, or hunting down hidden treasures second-hand, there’s always a way to enjoy books on a budget. With these tips, you can make your money go further while still building a collection you truly love.
Do you have any favourite book-buying hacks I haven’t mentioned? Share your tips in the comments and together we can discover even more ways to feed our reading habit without breaking the bank!
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