We at Casa Petrie are incessant readers.  If you enjoy new books and magazines like we do, this can become quite an expensive hobby.  I’ve learned a few ways to get the books and magazines I want for very little money.

Thanks Paperback Swap and freebizmags.com!

Library

I check the library first before I buy a book or order it on Paperback Swap.  The Albuquerque Library system has a great online way to request books.  The system emails you when your book is available for pickup.  Our library also has a wonderful selection of movies and music.    

Paperback Swap

You send books to people who want your books and get credits when the books are received.  You can choose from millions of available books and these are sent to you at the sender’s cost.  If you want a book and it is unavailable, you can put yourself on a waiting list and eventually you will get your book.  This is a great option when your local library does not have the book you want.  The general cost for sending a book via media mail is between $1.90 and $2.70.  

freebizmag.com

Sign up with this service by telling them the industry you are in and they will match your interests with magazines that are available for FREE.  Mr. Petrie and I both have signed up and we get hundreds of dollars in magazines every year.  These free subscriptions usually last anywhere from six months to a year.  In the two years we have used this service, we have received: Family Fun, Art in America, Elle, Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, Sunset, Hallmark Magazine, Interview, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Cycle World, Nylon, and W Magazine.  There are many more, but you get the idea.  

Hastings or Used Bookstores

I take in hardback books (to Hastings) that are newer and get credit towards anything in the store.  Hastings doesn’t take paperbacks and they don’t take all books you bring in, but generally you will get some credit for your books.  I’ve been reading Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series and her new book was over $17.  I am loathe to pay that much for something I’ll read in 3-5 hours, so I took in five books I had finished reading or didn’t want to read, Hasting’s took three of the books, and I paid $0.73 for my book.  When I finish it, I’ll take it back to Hastings and get another book I cannot get from the library or Paperback Swap.  

Second-Hand Stores  

This is the place to get kids’ books.  I constantly find books in new or almost new condition that are just what I want to buy for Miss Petrie.  Books generally run from $0.50 to $3.00.  The adult books are also a great deal.  I often find books that are on the New York Times Bestseller List.  

If you haven’t used any of these services, give them a try.  I promise you will be delighted with the vast array of reading choices that can be tailored to your tastes.  Happy reading!