Used (& New) Book Sources
Where to buy used books, besides Amazon…
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Someone recommends an adorable book on their YouTube channel. Excited to find it for my kids, I head straight to Amazon. Often I am not looking for a “new” copy - I just want to read a cute picture book to my kids and don’t want to pay full price.
But recently, underwhelmed by the not-always-great prices, I started searching for alternative sources for low-priced books. Anyone else notice that often their “used” books are often only a couple dollars cheaper than the brand new ones (if that)? So where else to look? I’m still on the hunt for great sources. In the meantime, I have found a few that I like...
NOTE: In my experience, no one site has the best prices all the time or for any particular book. These are just sources for you when you are able/willing to shop around for a good deal.
Abe Books
I have only browsed this site, I haven’t used it myself. However, a friend mentioned it to me recently as her go-to for used books.
Better World Books
This one is one of my go-tos; I check it regularly to compare prices. They sell both new and used books, and orders over $15 ship free! Often I find books for less than $5. It’s definitely hit-or-miss, but is worth checking out if you are willing to bargain hunt.
They also have a (free) rewards program. Be sure to sign up for it if you purchase through them. That way you can earn points toward free books.
Also, for every book you buy, they donate one to someone in need. (They even keep track of how many books you have “donated” under your account tab.)
They run sales (ex., 20% off 3 or more used books). I often wait till they have a sale to order books in my cart. But, sometimes this means it’s no longer in stock. You can add books to your Wishlist and they will notify you when it is available again.
Ebay
Anybody else remember when Ebay had a secondary books-only site called half.com? Now if you type that in, it just takes you to Ebay’s main page…Sometimes this one is worth checking out, but it has become one of my last searches now. Again, use this site when you are bargain shopping and don’t mind spending a little time looking.
FB Marketplace - or B/S/T Groups
I usually only search Facebook Marketplace (or Buy/Sell/Trade Groups) for homeschooling curriculum, but often people sell more than just “textbooks” here. Note: it can be a little harder to navigate than some of the others.
Local Library & Bookstore
This one, of course, doesn’t include a link - since it will vary for each of us. However, do not underestimate the value of your local library. Some of my favorite features include:
Putting books on hold (I don’t have to find it - it’s just waiting for me when I get there!)
Borrowing from another library in the county (makes my library collection seem much bigger)
Creating personal book lists (so I can create a list ahead of time for a unit of study and then the week or so before, I can select the list and put all the books in it on hold)
The “friends” of the library bookstore (Often available in a hidden room of the library is a small used bookstore. I have found many books for as low as 25 cents!!)
Inter-library Loans (I haven’t used this since college, but when you need it, this is really helpful. When your library system doesn’t have a book, your librarian should be able to help you find one for a loan. There might be a small fee associated with this.)
Mercari
When he first introduced me to Mercari, my husband described it as, “like Ebay when it first started.” It’s a great place to search for books and…well anything. And, I agree - it feels like a retro Ebay experience.
Thrift Books (affiliate link)
Thrift Books has a FREE rewards program, where you can earn FREE BOOKS!! By using my (affiliate) link, joining their rewards program, and making a $30 purchase on your first order, you will receive a FREE book credit added to your account!! (I will get a free book too! That’s the affiliate part…then you can get your own link to share with friends and earn more free books!) Their shipping (U.S. Standard) is free with any order over $15.
Even better, if you are a teacher (including a homeschool parent), you are eligible for their Teacher Program. This enables you to earn free books faster. Again, this site is in my rotation when I am searching for the best price on used (or new) books.
If - like me - you wait a few days and some of your books are no longer available, Thrift Books will automatically move them to your Saved for Later list.