New books - especially hardcover editions - are expensive. However, there are ways to locate both paperback and hardcover copies of books at a reasonable price.

Remember the great Pearl S. Buck novel that you read in high school? Now, years later, you want to find a copy so that you can read the story again. But you don't want to pay full price.

What do you do?

You have decided to start collecting out-of-print book editions as a hobby.

Where do you start?

You are a student with a limited budget searching for used textbooks.

Where do you begin?

You are a passionate Anne Rice booklover. Her latest release has been out for a couple of months, and you want to find a used copy.

How?

If your needs are specific, you can start at an online site like AbeBooks.com. This website is terrific because it offers both used and new books from sellers all over the world. Each book's condition is fully described. Shop around, and be sure to check shipping rates before you order. A $1 book may be more expensive through one seller than a $2 book through a competitor because of high handling costs.

A couple of other online stores specializing in rare and out-of-print books are BookFinder.com and Alibris.com. And Used.Addall.com has a service that will hunt through several sites at the same time.

Did you know that Amazon offers used books?

And of course, there is ebay. If you are careful to read descriptions meticulously - and only deal with vendors who have a high positive feedback rating - you can often find exactly what you need.

A would-be collector can visit garage and rummage sales, estate auctions, flea markets, second hand stores, and thrift marts.

Many libraries clear out paperbacks on a regular basis. Your library may also offer a book-exchange program. A quick phone call to the librarian can provide you with more information.

You may also find treasures at used bookstores, plentiful in larger cities. However, a savvy bookstore owner will be on the lookout for valuable editions. Expect to pay collector prices for rare publications.

Local educational institutions may cull old textbooks that are no longer required in the current curriculum. They are usually well worn and marked with underlining and highlights. However, there are good finds to be had.

Your local or online yellow pages can provide information on local resources. If you live in a small community and are planning a trip into a nearby city, find the yellow pages first and make some pre-travel phone calls. Advance preparation can save you a lot of gas, time, and frustration.

Remember - you don't need to be a bookworm to enjoy a good book!


A home without books is a body without soul.
- (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.
- (Henry Ward Beecher)

Books give not wisdom where none was before, but where some is, there reading makes it more.
- (Sir John Harington)


©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.