Nothing needs to be holding you back from reaching your reading goals. Whether it’s leisurely reading for the first time in years or reaching a new book goal, reading has become more accessible.
There’s more to reading than blindly buying books to give them a chance. You’ve got so many options, like checking out both physical and digital books or even finding free resources online.
There are plenty of overpriced options, but there are also plenty of options that are either super affordable or free! You just have to find what medium works for you and work your way up from there.
Libraries
Typically, public libraries provide free library cards when you sign up. You might need to give information like your address, email, and/or phone number. Besides that, there shouldn’t be anything preventing you from getting a card. After getting a card, you have nearly unlimited access to all the services your local library provides.
If you’re trying to avoid extra screen time, reading a physical copy of a book might be what you need. The act of going to a library to pick out a book you’ve been meaning to read can get you out more, ensuring that you won’t be stuck in the digital world.
You could end up checking out a physical copy of a book or a physical copy of an audiobook.
Apps
Another way to read would be by having apps bringing digital books to you. There are numerous different reading apps. Some like Overdrive, Libby, Hoopla, and others come with a library card.
Most libraries across the US have accounts on apps like Libby. The apps can be accessed from any device that you can download them from. With phones, tablets, and computers, you don’t have to carry around the extra weight of a book when you’re already using one of these devices.
Other apps, like Apple Books, Google Play Books, Wattpad, and Inkitt, give you access to books. Occasionally, the apps you can use will have paywalls behind them. Some apps, like Serial Reader, contain classic titles with a one-time payment of $2.99.
Audiobooks
The world of Audiobooks is ever-expanding. The most known app is Audible, which you do have to pay for, though they have a 30-day trial. Audible’s basic plan is $7.95 a month. They sometimes run deals where you can get 3 months for $0.99.
The audiobook world makes it easier to read. You’re still getting the entertainment and information from books but have the option to multitask. Audible may be the most popular option, but there are many more to look into.
Spotify has an audiobook section as well. Some book options are free, but most books do need to be purchased if you don’t have a premium plan. For example, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros currently costs $25.90. You really have to dig for free Spotify-provided books. Three of Spotify’s four plans come with 15 hours a month of access to all audiobooks. The only plan that doesn’t come with the audiobooks is Spotify Student. The catch? Only the plan manager has access to the 15 hours. This means that not everyone on Duo and Family plans gets audiobook access.
There are alternative methods to Spotify audiobooks. A workaround for free audiobooks would be looking up specific book names but choosing a podcast option instead. That way, you’re hearing an audiobook that someone uploaded for free listening.
YouTube can also be your best audiobook friend. You can look up a specific Audiobook or look for a read-along. Most of the options there are free. The resource is typically used for classroom settings. You might remember having to listen to a book during your English class in school. Most of the time they come from YouTube. That same option is available for countless books.
Thrifting
Reading can be an expensive hobby. Thrifting books might end up being your best friend. Depending on where you shop, books can be as low as a few cents or as high as a typical sale price. From personal experience, I’ve spent about $10 on the entire hard copy Twilight series by thrifting books.
You could totally luck out and get special editions of books that someone may have donated. Donating books is a good way to get rid of books you no longer want while also getting books that someone else didn’t want.
Some thrift stores have their books separated by genre as well as best sellers or TikTok famous. You could end up getting a book that was from the ’80s in perfect condition for $5. You could even get a brand new copy of a Sarah J. Maas book that you’ve been looking for.
Little Free Libraries
Little Free Libraries are like free book exchanges. You’re encouraged to get a book and leave a book, though it is not required. The libraries are spread out all across the US. They provide an extra sense of accessibility, as they can be located anywhere — from neighborhoods, to community gardens, to city centers.
Another bonus — Little Free Libraries are good for the environment. They can give used books an extra life, preventing them from rotting away in landfills.
Websites
The internet provides everything you need at the tip of your fingers. There are myriad websites to read books, but it is important to be very careful. While it’s amazing that you can access books online for free, some websites need to be approached with caution.
Websites like Project Gutenberg and Open Library are commonly known and used. Occasionally though, some of the books you might want to read won’t be on these sites. It’s then that you need to be cautious. Make sure to check you’re using reputable sites and have up-to-date security software.
On Project Gutenberg, there are over 70,000 books available to read. These books are available to be downloaded or read online, and there are no fees or registration required.
Easy Reading Ahead
With an abundance of ways to save money on reading, it’s easier to read more. Free and affordable opportunities make reading easier for everyone willing to give it a try.
Reading is meant to take you on a journey. The process of getting your hands on a book doesn’t have to be a hard one when there are ways to read at every turn. The best part about it all is finding a way that works for you.
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