by Kendra Songer

Created on: October 30, 2008

Whether you're tired of campaign commercials, the same old TV shows or just feel like you're stuck in a rut, a good book might be just the escape you've been looking for. However, whether you read all the time or are just looking for a way to take your mind off of everything reading can become an expensive hobby. There are alternatives to paying full price for the latest books, but each option has its pros and cons.

The cheapest and most obvious is to use the public library. A library card is usually free, but bookworms who frequently use the library can warn you that overdue fees can catch up with you, so you'll need to keep good track of due dates. There can also be fees for lost library cards. If you're able to avoid fines the library is a great option, but the most popular books and the newest releases will be in high demand. You can place a hold using your library's computer system, but even then you may be waiting for several months to get the book. If you can persuade yourself to read some less popular books while you're waiting then the library will be the best solution for you.

You can also read new titles at the bookstore, but there are several downsides. First off, there isn't as much privacy as you would enjoy in your own home or perhaps a nice park. Secondly, if you can't read the book in an afternoon you'll have to drop by the bookstore for several days until you finish it, which can be inconvenient and time consuming. Last, and perhaps most important you will most likely spend some of the money you're saving on a coffee which is not only overpriced but also full of extra calories (unless you can resist temptation better than most of us). If you only spend $3 on the coffee and read the book in one day then you got a great deal. However, if you have to come back over three days then you spent $9, not to mention the gas it cost to get there. Still, if you love hustle and bustle, are a quick reader and are great at resisting temptation then this would be the solution for you.

If you can't wait to get your hands on a certain book then buy it cheaper, trade for it, or rent it. There are several on-line auction sites such as ebay or amazon where you can buy books. Half. com is one of the cheaper sites. The downside is that you have to pay the cost of the book plus shipping, which can sometimes end up costing more, so add your costs carefully. Some sites use media mail to ship, which is cheaper, but can leave you waiting several weeks for your book. Another

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