Second Hand Buyings

I read a lot. A lot. Yet, lately book prices have been steadily climbing. Each book runs you on average price on par with what it costs to see a movie at you local mega-cinema complex. Now, for someone who may plow through a book once a month or so, that seems relatively reasonable. Yet, for someone who can go through three books in a good week, it gets pricey.

So, what's the modern reader on a budget supposed to do.

Well, there's always the local lending free library. If you don't mind borrowing, this is a decent option. Now, a bonus about the local library is many have on line catalogs, so if you're looking for a specific book before you make that trip, find out which library if any has that book available.

Yet, surprisingly, the library is fast becoming less reader friendly. Unless you're looking for the latest King, Grisham, or Joan Collins novel, or something of the New York Times Top 10 list, you may have trouble finding it. The Library is a great place to do some research, but for those who have fast depleted your reading selections and are looking for an out of print or hard to find book, you need other options.

The next alternative is the internet. While sites like Amazon, and Barnes and Nobles both have used book selections and you can often find books on eBay and Half.com the site I recommend is
The Advanced Book Exchange. I like this site for multiple reasons. The pricing and shipping charges are reasonable, the paying options are much better (you don't have to use Pay Pal or a credit card) and you are truly buying from independent retailers. Plus, you may just find that a store who has the book you are looking is within your traveling area and you can save even more by avoiding shipping charges.

Then of course, is my favorite. For those of you who like to get right in the stacks and try to find that out of print book or lost treasure, or just want to save a few books, I recommend the local used book store/bookswappers. Bookswappers are a godsend for us bookoholics. They allow you to trade in your old books for store credit. This serves two purposes for me. Now, I can fit all my paperbacks onto two shelves on my bookcase. This is amazing. Secondly, it saves you a ton of money.

Now, for those in the Philadelphia area, I will recommend two stores that I frequent. First is The Newtown Book and Record Exchange. While they don't have a website, click on the link to see a nice picture of them from the unofficial Signs website. Located on the Main drag in Newtown, this store offers much to the buyer. First off, the staff is amazing. Always friendly, and always helpful. The store is a bit cramped and if your looking for something specific, it can be a challenge, but their pricing policy of half off the cover price and full exchange credit toward your purchase can't be beat. I have exchanged many books there are often leave without any lightening of the wallet.

Next, there is the Flight of Fantasy Books and Gifts. Located at the end of Rhawn Street in Philly, this store offers an excellent selection. Searching for a specific book is much easier here, but beware of Mr. Clive, a calico cat who seems to guard the Sci-fi/Fantasy section every time I'm there. The pricing policy is a bit confusing, and you'll definitely spend real money on every transaction (yesterday, I spent $8.05 for 4 books) but it's worth it because of their increased selection. Plus, they sell Hardback and Trade Paperbacks.

Now, if anyone knows of any good used bookstores in the Philly or Bucks County area, or even in your own area, feel free to post them in the comments section. I for one, am always looking for a good used book store.