by Teya Baram

Created on: October 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

Reading is an excellent and inexpensive way to pass an afternoon. In budget conscious times, however, shelling out $24.99 for the latest best selling books may break your tight budget. Fortunately, there are many options that allow you to read the latest best-selling books for next to nothing.

Large chain book stores often offer comfy seating, a coffee shop, and permit unlimited browsing and reading. Particularly in urban areas, customers can be seen in all corners of the store curled up with their favorite and not yet purchased book. Reading the book in the store, either over several lunch hours or on a Saturday marathon rarely costs more than the cup of coffee from the cafe. As an added benefit, book store reading also offers none of the distractions of finding time to read at home. Just be careful not to spill on the merchandise.

Libraries also offer both in house and borrowed reading. It is often wise to reserve a bestseller as soon as you know the publication date. Sometimes, libraries have long waiting lists for popular reads. Also, be certain to check out the time period and fines for best selling books. In the Manhattan library, for example, popular new releases are limited to one week and cannot be renewed.

Actually shelling out the cost of the book upfront is another option. Popular best sellers, once read, can easily be sold on resale sites such as www.amazon.com and www.ebay.com, for nearly the cost of a new book. Just be careful if you plan to resell not to damage the book.

Book clubs are another lower-cost alternative for avid readers. Book clubs, however, are not free, and sometimes rope you in with 'too good to be true offers.' However, they offer a wide range of books at discount prices.

Trade or share. If you have a group of like minded readers, you might want to consider a book swap or share. By purchasing one copy among a group of friends, you can reduce the the price by 75% or more.

Used Book Stores. Used book stores have a wide range of books, sometimes including the latest best-selling books at a fraction of the cost of new books. Used book stores on-line offer similar bargains, however, be careful to deal with reputable sellers.

Trade On-line. Websites such as www.bookmooch.com and www.whatsonmybookshelf.com offer a free way to trade your books. If you have already read or unwanted books on your shelf, you can offer to trade for the latest reads.

Read On-Line- There are a wide range of sites that offer .pdf files of books for free or scanned versions to read on-line. Google Books, for example, has a wide range of older titles that can be read at no cost, primarily non-fiction. Search 'downloadable book' for a range of discount options.

Shop Sidewalk/Moving Sales- Books are heavy to tote from house to house. Check out moving sales for books at a bargain, often less than a dollar. Or arrive just before closing and you may walk away with a stack of free books.

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