How the Library Saved Me Over $250 in Two Months
I tracked how much I would have spent on books in January and February using Amazon retail prices, and the total came out to over $250!! Every single one of those books came from using my local library.
This has been one of the easiest ways to stay consistent with reading while also being mindful of spending. I still get access to new releases (and yes, have to impatiently wait in line for them), popular titles, and everything on my TBR without the cost adding up.
I’ll be adding up my March total at the end of the month, and I’m curious to see how much more I’ve saved.
If you’ve been thinking about using your local library more, this is your sign!!
#bookishalgorithm #library #lemon8books #budgetbookworm
Using a local library has been a game changer for my reading habits and budget. Beyond just saving money, it has introduced me to a wide range of genres including romance, thriller, and sci-fi—genres that I might not have explored if I had to purchase every book. For example, I could borrow popular titles like 'In Five Years' by Rebecca Serle or new releases like 'Dear Husband's Silver Wife' by Elsie Feeneey, all without spending a dime. One challenge I faced was waiting for popular books, as many others also wanted to read the same titles. However, I found that being patient and placing holds in advance helped me enjoy these books right when they became available. This system also motivated me to explore lesser-known authors and backlist titles that turned out to be hidden gems. Tracking the retail prices of these books on Amazon showed me exactly how much I saved. Over two months, the total was over $250, with February alone accounting for $150.82 in savings. This amount is significant, especially for avid readers who might otherwise feel guilty about the cost of constantly buying books. Using the library also means that I don’t have to compromise on reading the latest bestsellers or my entire TBR list. The library catalog often includes ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) which means early access to upcoming books. This adds excitement and keeps my reading list fresh. If you’re a budget-conscious reader wondering if the library is worth your time, I’d say yes. It’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy your passion for reading without the stress of overspending. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly choice that supports your local community. I plan on continuing to track my savings and increase my library usage in the coming months and recommend everyone give it a try—your wallet and your bookshelves will thank you!
