Frugal Family: On the Hunt for Discounted Books

Most of us have, at some point, declared a moratorium on buying more “stuff.” The exception for many folks: books. In a world of conflicting opinions about just about everything, the benefits of reading are universally acknowledged. No one discourages a child who cherishes books or criticizes a well-read friend.

Nov. 5 and 6, the will be the scene of much used book buying. The Friends of the Wayland Public Library Book and Bake Sale takes place that weekend. It will offer the opportunity to inexpensively expand any number of book collections, from children's books to suspense novels and everything in between.

In the meantime, there are options for book-lovers to stock up on inexpensive books. The cheapest (free, as a matter of fact) is the book exchange at the . Next time you head to the transfer station, take a minute to browse the "library" of give-and-take books. There's no telling what you might find.

You can also check out shops that sell used books at discounted prices. One is Second Hand Prose in Acton. The store’s shelves boast hundreds of titles of every genre, all on sale for half their list prices. Have books to hawk? Bring them in, and those that are accepted will be purchased for a credit equal to one-sixth of the original selling prices. Credits can be used for 50 percent of a future purchase.

Willow Books and Cafe, also in Acton, has begun buying and selling used books through its ReReads program. Individuals may drop off (up to) two bags or boxes per week during regular business hours. In about a week, the books will have been sorted. Current fiction, poetry, classics, mysteries and sci-fi titles (all paperbacks) are the sought-after categories right now. Credits are issued for 20 percent of the books’ retail prices and may be used on anything in the store within 60 days.

Willow Books also carries deeply-discounted new books in their bargain sections. It’s worth stopping in to take a look; books make great gifts and there is a whole table devoted to children’s titles.

Click here for a coupon to use this week at Willow Books.

Nearby Sudbury is home to a used bookstore as well. In addition to gently-read titles, Bearly Read Books is a great source for rare volumes and first editions. Chock full of history, military, science and how-to books, the owners are adept at locating hard-to find requests. Paperbacks start at $1.50. Consult Bearly Read Books’ online inventory for current titles. Have a valuable title to sell? Bring it in for an estimate.

Looking to shop without leaving home? Online booksellers include Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Entering the Barnes and Noble site via the now-defunct Borders link will get you 10 percent off any item and a free two-month trial membership to Barnes and Noble’s discount program. Sure you’ll be buying several books each month? Consider a paid membership ($25) which affords members savings off every purchase, free shipping and quarterly coupons.