"Book Keeping" can become a very expensive habit. Obviously, borrowing from friends and from the local library is a great option. If you need to buy a book, however, take advantage of the reward programs offered at both Borders and Barnes & Noble. Borders Rewards is free to join and Borders frequently sends out great coupons (that you can use in addition to "Borders Bucks"). A Barnes & Noble membership will cost you $25 per year, but members enjoy an everyday discount of at least 10% off (even in the cafe) in addition to bonus coupons and email offers. I frequently plan my gift giving based on Borders' weekly deals (because my friends are book lovers, of course), but I think a Barnes & Noble membership is a great gift idea itself!
However, those coupons and incentives most definitely encourage me to buy MORE. Am I really saving money???
While we are on the subject of buying books, I have to say that I got the best deals during last year's Black Friday sale on Amazon.com. A friend recently encouraged me to check out Amazon.com during the other 364 days of the year for used books in top condition. I don't know why I did not think about this earlier.
When I started looking at the used books on Amazon, I wondered whether there were any local shops that carry used books. I am a strong supporter of supporting local business. The first place I found for used books was the Children's Memorial White Elephant Resale Shop. In the very back there are several narrow rows of filled bookshelves. Surprisingly, the books were well organized. The second shop I discovered is Myopic Books in Wicker Park. I have not yet had the pleasure of browsing the three floors of books, but I am definitely looking forward to it!
Even if I do start buying more used rather than new books, I think my theory will hold true: the better the deal I think I am getting; the more books I will buy.
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