Do you ever stand in your favorite bookstore, heart set on that stack of books you’ve been dreaming of… and then blink twice at the total? Same. I love books, like really love them, but I also know too well what it feels like to choose between the latest bestseller and staying on budget.
For years, I’ve been on a mission to feed my reading obsession without blowing our monthly budget, and along the way I’ve found so many good places to buy books without paying full price.
You’ve probably heard about how to get books for free through the library or swapping with friends (and those are great), but sometimes, you just want to own a book, or you’re searching for a specific title that’s nowhere to be had for free.
That’s where smart book buying comes in. Whether you’re hunting for paperback favorites, hardcovers for your shelf, or even textbooks for school, here are my favorite tried-and-true places to find cheap books that don’t make your wallet cry.
Where to Buy Cheap Books Locally:
Local Used Bookstores
One of my favorite book-hunting adventures is visiting local used bookstores. These shops often have deeply discounted books (think 25–75% off retail) and you can browse titles you might never find online. Many stores also offer store credit when you bring in books to sell or trade. This means your old books become new-to-you titles with almost no out-of-pocket cost.
Pro tip: Ask if they have special discount days or sections; sometimes kids’ books are priced especially low because families go through them quickly.
Thrift Stores
If you love a bargain like I do, don’t skip the book section at places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local thrift shops. Reader Stephanie once shared that she found hardbacks at Salvation Army for just 79¢ each — including books on her own wish list! Thrift stores often have books for a fraction of retail price, and inventory changes all the time, so popping in regularly can pay off.
Thrift stores also often have fill-a-bag deals or prices so low they’re nearly free.
Goodwill, in particular, can be a fantastic option. According to reader Teri from Readers Gotta Read: “Adult hardback books are $2.99, adult paperbacks are $1.99, and kids’ books are 99¢. Plus, items with the color of the week are often 50% off — or even 99¢ on Sundays.”
You can also sometimes buy books cheaply and then trade or swap them later at a Little Free Library or with friends.
Library Book Sales
Libraries often receive more donated books than they can shelve, so they host book sales to raise funds — offering you the chance to score a huge discount on books and support your library all at once! Win-win!
Most library book sale prices range from $0.50 to $3, depending on the book and your location, making it easy to get a bargain. And don’t forget to ask if your branch keeps a year-round sale shelf so you don’t have to wait for the next big event.
Dollar Deals & Discount Retailers
Don’t forget about discount retailers like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Dollar Tree, or even clearance sections at big-box stores. These places sometimes carry overstock or publisher closeouts at extremely low prices.
And here’s an idea I’ve done myself: keep an eye out for children’s book deals, like when sites offer multiple books for just a few dollars shipped. For example, there was a recent offer where you could get 5 children’s books for just $5 shipped — that’s about $1 per book!
Deals like that don’t come all the time, but when they do, they’re a great way to stock up inexpensively.
Garage Sales
Garage sales and estate sales are also goldmines for cheap reads, and don’t be afraid to bundle books and ask for a deal if you’re buying more than a few.
Where to Get Cheap Books Online:
Online bargain book retailers are like treasure chests for frugal readers and there are so many excellent options. Teri from Readers Gotta Read shares this advice about shopping online used book sites:
“These sites let you choose the quality of the book (new, like new, very good, good, and acceptable condition), which impacts the price of the book. If I’m after just one book, I’ll usually order it on Abe Books with free shipping on that one book. If I have several titles I want, then I’ll try to get my order to reach $15 to qualify for free shipping for Thrift Books or Better World Books. Additionally, you can receive coupon codes for sales if you sign up for these sites’ email lists. The banners on the homepages of these sites promote deals as well.”
Book Outlet
A personal favorite of many readers, Book Outlet offers discounted books, both kids’ titles and adult favorites, often at 50% off list price or more. You can sign up for their emails or newsletter for extra coupons and special deals.
ThriftBooks & World of Books
Online stores like ThriftBooks and World of Books specialize in used books with very low price tags, and often offer free shipping once your order reaches a threshold (like $15). You can browse by genre, format, or condition so that you only pay what you’re comfortable with.
Pro tip: Request e-mail notifications for when the books on your wishlist drop in price!
Abe Books
Abe Books is a massive marketplace where you buy books directly from third-party booksellers. They often offer free shipping, depending on the book. Abe Books is especially good for buying out-of-print titles.
Psst… Do you feel like there’s never enough time for all the books you want to read? Be sure to check out my FREE Time-Saving Cheatsheet!
eBay
eBay has the most variety on prices and shipping, meaning you’ll sometimes pay more than you would elsewhere, but it is an option if you can’t find a book cheaper on one of the sites above. It’s especially good for textbooks or homeschool curriculum.
Amazon & Barnes & Noble Used Marketplace
Sometimes the simplest route to a cheap book is right through a place you already shop.
If you use Amazon or Barnes & Noble, check the used marketplace listings before buying new. You can often find paperback or even hardcover copies for significantly less than new pricing and if you use gift cards you’ve earned through rewards programs (like Swagbucks) and/or shop through a cashback site, you can essentially get books at no cash cost at all.
Price-Matching & Smart Timing to Get Cheap Books
Here’s a savvy tactic that doesn’t get enough attention: price check and price match. If you find a book cheaper on one site but want to buy it locally today, ask your local bookstore or shop if they’ll price match the online price. Some stores will, especially smaller indie shops trying to keep business in the community.
Also, seasons matter! Shops often mark down books around back-to-school, end-of-year sales, or holiday clearances. Watching prices over time can really pay off for titles you’re patient about.
Reader Tips Worth Sharing
Readers have found some other creative ways to buy cheap books too!
One reader suggested paying attention to Goodwill bargain strategies, like shopping “color of the week” stickers for extra discounts. This helps you snag books even cheaper.
“I’ve always used my Swagbucks to buy books from Amazon.com but recently began going to thrift shops.” – Stephanie
“Netgalley.com gives away e-reader advance reader copies as well. You need to write reviews and post reviews online afterwards, but I’ve gotten quite a few books from there.” – Sara
Stick to Your Book Budget Without Sacrificing Joy
Books are one of life’s greatest joys, and they shouldn’t have to break your budget. With a little patience, creativity, and willingness to explore secondhand options or deals, you can keep your shelves full and your wallet happy.
Whether you’re browsing a thrift shelf, trading online, or scoring a great discount on a used copy, there are so many ways to make your reading habit more affordable.
Related Links:
Where to Get Free Books (Yes, Really!)
The 43 Books I Read in 2025
My Top 4 Favorite Reads From 2024
Ask Crystal: How do you find time to read?
How to Find More Time to Read — Even When Life is Busy
Our Top 20+ Favorite Audiobooks
Meet Your Goal to Read More with My FREE Goal Setting Worksheets
And, be sure to check out all our recent deals on books!
Where do you get cheap used books? Share your experience in the comments below!
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