There are many different types of book-lovers out there.  Maybe you like to read for enjoyment, knowledge, or self-improvement.  No matter what your interest, I am sure you wouldn't mind saving a little money wherever possible.  Whether you read books and then pass them on for others to enjoy, or whether you are building your personal library, there are many ways to save a little cash at the same time.  Some solutions even help to save the environment!

    One of my all-time favorites for everything is www.amazon.com.  This great resource can be used for all aspects of the book-buying process.  First, their prices are pretty desirable.  On Amazon, you can find new books for a fraction of the cost of a bookstore buy, and with free shipping on 25 dollars or more, it is a great bargain.  In Amazon's bargain section, you can find books for under 5 dollars, and 4 for 3 deals.  If you don't care to buy new books, the marketplace may be right for you.

    Many times, even if I don't plan to buy from Amazon, I use it for research.  Amazon's database of reviews is huge, and by doing a little research before buying, you could potentially save yourself money AND time!  Isn't it so depressing when you buy a new book and later find out it is horrible?  A little look at Amazon's reviews first would have saved you all that time. 

    Also, on most books, Amazon has a "look inside" option.  Get a feel for the book also before you buy it.  It's like browsing at Border's, but in the privacy and comfort of your own home!

     This technique is hit and miss, but if you are the type that puts aside a couple hours at the bookstore each week, then this is a great strategy.  Check out the bargain book section.  You may be surprised.  I have found some fantastic books there, but also some duds.  I usually stick to familiar titles when buying from the bargain section.  Don't think that you won't find them, they are there!  I have bought some of my favorite books in the bargain section for 4 bucks.  Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Kite Runner, Walden's Pond, many titles from Steven Ambrose (my husbands favorite historical writer) and even some Spanish language titles!  You can find anything you need there, just be patient.

     If you are serious about saving money, you will avoid buying new releases.  There are so many books out there just waiting to be read, pick one of those up and wait a little bit for that new release to come down in price.  Your wallet will thank you!

     If you typically don't keep your books, why not visit the library?  You may be surprised by what you will find.  The great thing is that you will be supporting your local library, and chances are, they need all the help they can get.

     Book swaps can be a fun and interesting way to connect with friends and colleagues, and to share something you love with them.  It can be an ongoing thing, and in a school setting, can really promote learning.

    For the more technologically driven minds, there are great new book swap websites that offer unlimited choices.  A favorite of mine is www.bookins.com.  Through this site, you can swap your unwanted or read books for a new book.  It is free to ship a book to someone else, you only pay shipping to receive your books.  Pretty neat!

This last tip is probably one of my favorites. This new site is a book rental service. It's honestly Netflix for books. You pay 9.95 per month. You hold on to at least one book (and up to seven), while other books are in transit. You are never without a book. You can keep it for as long as you would like, you don't pay shipping, and get this (drum roll, please!), if you just love a book and can't part with it, you buy it!!

Www.chegg.com has the same concept, but for textbooks. I wish this site existed when I was in college. Now I am taking graduate courses, and what a money saver! Just find out what books you or your child need, look it up on chegg.com and you've got all necessary textbooks for a fraction of the cost. Another great thing: there will be no textbooks collecting dust for years and years because you don't know what to do with them!

Both of these sites are incredible. For each rented book, a tree is planted. So you can save both money, and the environment. See, everyone benefits.