Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Book Bargains

This is topic Book Bargains in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :

I'm not really sure where to post this, but I figure this is just as good a spot as any -

I typically buy several books a week and pay between 25 cents to a couple of dollars for each of them. I'm talking about decent books by decent authors like Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, Dumas, Twain, etc. I also buy great SF and Fantasy like Terry Brooks, Frank Herbert, Susan Cooper, Ben Bova, Arthur C. Clarke, Michael Crichton, just to name a few. The books are only slightly used most of the time, and most of them only cost me a quarter.

Where do I get such great deals? At my local libraries. Many of my local libraries have areas that sale donated books. Paperbacks are 25 cents. Trade paperbacks are 50 cents. Hardcovers are a dollar. And books that make that new cracking noise when you open them are two dollars.

If you are ever looking for a great deal and have a little time, you may want to check out your local library(ies).

Posted by jayazman (Member # 2818) on :

Good advice, I've gotten some good books there, myself.

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

I've found library sales a good way to pick up thick-and-expensive reference books, stuff that brand-new retails for over a hundred a pop but can be had quite cheap and quite adequately in an older edition.

Posted by Antinomy (Member # 5136) on :

The best book bargain in the U.S. is the Cincinnati library system. A member can preview available books online and order them with a mouse click.

An ordered book is delivered to my local branch within three days and I am notified by email.

Before placing an order, I find it very helpful to check Amazon for a thorough synopsis and peruse their reader’s comments.

Since I gobble up about 40 novels year, and I find free usage beats buying and accumulating unwanted books.

Posted by eslteacher (Member # 8640) on :

What a great idea, Antinomy! Thanks for the heads-up.