Books on a Budget: The Library

The Public Library

The Public Library

The Library is a great resource for those who love to read but don’t have a large budget to buy books. Libraries range from large ones with big collections to small ones with a more limited choice. Whatever yours is it is still a great place to go. You can help combat a limited collection with my tips below.

Librarians are a great way to broaden your reading horizons. They are there to help patrons so don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t know what you want to read, have a favourite book that you want another in the same vein or want to branch out to a new genre and don’t know where to start then ask the librarian. They will know what books are in the library and have some great recommendations for you.

Don’t forget, if the library doesn’t have a book you want to read there are multiple things you can do. First, ask if the library has an e-book borrowing program. Many libraries have an online program where you can borrow e-book copies. Like physical books you have the book for a certain amount of time and either once you “return” the book or the time runs out it will disappear from your e-reader.

If you are like me and really prefer paper books then you can go to the librarian and put in a request for the library to purchase the book. Now this option will one probably take awhile to come to fruition and two may not even happen at all if your library doesn’t have a large budget. If that doesn’t work then there are also inter-library loans which mean one library can borrow from a different library outside the district. You will have to ask your local library if they do this because not all do. Or you could go to a library that has the book and sit there to read it.



If you don’t know where the closest library is you can definitely look it up online. Just be prepared, if you haven’t already got a library card they may require proof that you live in the district that the library belongs to. So ID will most likely be required as well as a fee to help the library combat book costs, etc.

Larger libraries which have more of a budget tend to do more things with the community such as: events with authors, reading time aloud for the kids, a book club, etc. Just go to your local library and ask what extracurriculars they offer to their patrons to find out what your specific library does.

Libraries have always been magical for me and they still are to this day. I hope they are for you too! So how many times do you think I said library in this post? If you love reading on a budget this is definitely one resource you don’t want to overlook! Remember to return your library books on time or face the overdue fees. I would love to know if you go to the library or not and why.

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This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. Bianca

    Love this post! Books are so expensive, borrowing them is a much better option.

    1. Christine

      Right? I feel like people don’t use libraries and think they are useless. I hope more people see them as an option from now on!

  2. Nikki

    I still need to get a library card from my local library – I know, I know…what have I been waiting for?! The answer: just laziness, its not a good excuse. I will make sure to get one soon!

    1. Christine

      Trust me, once you have the card you won’t be able to stop!

  3. DJ Sakata

    Excellent post. I’m lucky as Hawaii has a lovely and extensive networked library system, and I also have Overdrive.

    1. Christine

      Overdrive is a blessing isn’t it? One of the best things the library system did was to go digital.

  4. Jo Linsdell

    I love libraries. I had a great one right next to my school where I grew up in the UK. Here in Rome I often take my kids to our local library which is a special library for children. They can order in books on request though.

    1. Christine

      That’s great! I’m so happy you take your kids, I have such fond memories going as a child.

  5. roxy

    loved this blog post as i never have enough money for the books i want to read

    1. Christine

      I know! So many great new books coming out, so many old ones being discovered, my wallet is crying! The library is a great option to help with that.

  6. Nicole Pyles

    I love this! Also, overdrive is with a lot of libraries and it’s a way to get ebooks (for anyone who can’t get to the library!)

    1. Christine

      Overdrive is one of the best options! Thanks for mentioning it, i completely forgot about it >_<

  7. Ayushi Nair

    nice

    1. Christine

      Thanks!

  8. Great post. Unfortunately in the UK a lot of libraries are shutting down, which is a shame. I can honestly say though I haven’t been inside of a library for a few years.

    1. Christine

      That really is a very big shame. Libraries are more than just places for books! They offer help to those looking for jobs, they can connect you to local places of learning and so much more. I am so sad to see them phasing out. I loved going as a child and even still as an adult.

  9. Katiria Rodriguez

    Great post I absolutely love going to the library I always go there and check out books every month it is so much fun browsing the shelf and looking for books that I might interest me. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.

    1. Christine

      Thanks for reading! I’m glad someone else finds the library as magical as I do!

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Christine

My name is Christine and I have a slight book addiction problem. I spend most of my spare time reading and when I’m not reading I’m doing reviews. I love all things concerning books and would love to share my experiences with you!
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