My Favorite Places To Get Books

I really like reading and owning books that I enjoy is kind of one of my love languages. I want to be able to loan them to others and read them whenever the mood strikes and sometimes, I even underline or make notes in them! *gasp* Yes, I am one of "those" people :) It took me some time to get to that point, though.

Believe it or not, I do not have an endless supply of funds with which to purchase books, so I have gotten creative in how (and when) I get my books.

1. Abebooks.com - I think my aunt introduced us to this site and that was probably a mistake :) It is a used book site but you can get new books on there too, generally at a reduced price. They also have varying descriptions of the condition of the book. I like to get Very Good books because they are in excellent condition and yet are a wonderful price too. The only thing that is not cheaper on Abebooks is Nancy Drew #58. Seriously, I cannot figure out why that one book is so expensive!!!
   
2. Library bookstore/booksale - It's totally hit or miss but my best experience ever was finding a Trixie Belden book just sitting out in the most random spot at the booksale! I could not even believe it! I also just recently found six, hardcover Elsie Dinsmore books!!! The books are in great shape and are .50 for softcover & $1 for hardcover (unless they are specially priced for some reason). Still, books that are practically brand new for hardly anything! I can fill my shelves!
   
3. Resale shops/used bookstores - I honestly have not utilized these resources yet, but I've heard from others that they can be real gold mines. The trick is to go fairly regularly to catch what is new and really see the stock change.
   

As much as I love a physical book, I have been known to jump on a good ebook deal. If that is the best way to get the book(s), I will do it. I have also been known to get an ebook and then decide I need to own the physical book too :)

If I want a book that is brand new, I tend to ask for it as a gift. I've only bought a handful of books brand new in the past 10 years, and most of those are Keeper of the Lost Cities that I buy with my brothers. We pre-order them to get some fun bonuses and we share the cost (and by default, the books).

Do you buy books or just get them from the library? Do you buy books that you have read or haven't read? Are you a physical book person or ebook/audiobook? Let me know in the comments!!!