Saving money by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them in-store.

By borrowing books from the library, readers can acquire new titles without spending money.

Saving money by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them in-store.
Saving money by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them in-store.

Do you have a library card?

A library card can save you a lot of money if you are a frequent or occasional reader.

The cost of a single book can fluctuate greatly, with many books priced between $10 and $20.

If you frequently purchase every book you read, your expenses will increase rapidly.

A person reading a book next to an image of a stack of library books
New books and classic reads can be found at the library and checked out at no cost. (iStock)

By becoming a library member, individuals can borrow books, retain them for a specified duration, and return them without incurring any expenses. However, there is a possibility of incurring overdue fees and a charge if the book is lost or damaged.

You can easily sign up for a library card by submitting your information online, depending on the library's policy.

You can begin borrowing books immediately after obtaining your library card.

Browse the library until you find something that captures your attention.

A person on her laptop while sitting on a couch
To ensure the book you are looking for is ready for you when you arrive at the library, place a hold for the title online first and wait to be notified that it's ready to be picked up. (iStock)

If you want a popular title, you may need to wait for it to become available.

It could take a few days or even a few months for a copy to become available if there are many people in line.

Keep in mind that if you're seeking a popular title, you may also have to wait for the e-book.

If you prefer reading on a device such as a Kindle, a library card may still be of interest to you.

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If you're looking for a popular title, you may have to wait for the e-book to become available, just like you would for a hard copy.

A person reading on a Kindle
If you prefer reading on a device such as a Kindle, many libraries offer e-books for cardholders. (iStock)

You can save money and read a lot with a library card.

You can purchase your own copy of the book if you wish, allowing your bookshelf to be filled with your favorite titles.

by Ashlyn Messier

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Saving money by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them in-store.

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