Save Big Bucks on Books! Shop At Used Bookstores!

Just a portion of our many bookshelves.

It's no secret that I love books!  My house is filled with lots, and lots, and lots of books. All age levels.  All genres.  We read .. a LOT!


 Today I want to introduce you to the concept of buying used books, not only for yourself, but also as gifts.  First, let's get rid of the crazy stigma that giving someone a used item is less than appropriate.  Nonsense!   The information in the book doesn't change and isn't any less useful just because someone else has read it before you!  Used bookstores specialize in books which are very lightly used or nearly new and yet cost  1/2 to 1/4 of the original price!  That's my kind of savings! 

I'm going to use my favorite local bookstore for my example.  If you don't live in my area, then I encourage you to find used bookstores in your area.  A quick Google search will get you going in the right direction.  This post will give you all the right questions to ask the owners about their policies on buying and selling books. 

Book Rack Used Books

Here's my favorite bookstore!  You'll find it at the corner of Lake and Knoxville in Peoria.  It's open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm.  It makes my heart happy just to see a photo of it!

Here are my top 6 reasons why you should visit your local used bookstore. 

Reason #1:  You Can Earn FREE Books!

Many used bookstores offer patrons the opportunity to earn free books.  The Book Rack happens to make this really easy!

Free Book Cart!

 

The first place you want to head is to the FREE book rack out in front of the store.  This cart of Misfit Books isn't a place for second-rate material.  The owner just wants everyone to be able to have books to read, regardless of whether they currently have any extra money.  So, she stocks this cart once a week with new material straight from the store shelves.

 Book Buying Program!

 Every used bookstore across the country has a book-buying program.  That's how they get their inventory!  Although rules vary, nearly always the owners prefer to give you in-store credit vouchers rather than cash.  However, if you prefer cash, some owners will give you cash, but, it will be less than they would give you in in-store credit.  Some stores limit you to using in-store credit for up to half the price of any books which you purchase.  Others, do not.  So, be sure you ask and understand their book buying and selling policies before you shop.

Book Rack Book Bucks Vouchers:

Stacy gives you special Book Buck vouchers, which you can use just like money.  You can trade the vouchers dollar-for-dollar on books you purchase from the store.  So, literally, you can trade your used books in for books from the store and not spend a penny!  The vouchers are also transferable.  So, you can give them as gifts.  You could get the vouchers in $5 increments and use them as Teacher Gifts!  What a great idea for Christmas!! 

Reason #2: Small Business Owners Are Community Leaders!

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the super friendly owner, Stacy Hardin.  She is very knowledgeable and can help you find something special as a gift or just to enjoy reading.

When Stacy was just 12 years old, she visited The Book Rack and fell in love with reading.  She filled her bedroom closet with all of her favorite books, dreaming of one day owning The Book Rack.  Fast forward over 30 years, and she had the opportunity to do just that!  She changed the name to Book Rack Used Books, creating an atmosphere of "family" that keeps you coming back again and again! 

 Stacy is great because:

 1.  She is dedicated to making Peoria a better place to live!  

2.  She has built and installed Little Free Libraries in some of the lowest per capita income areas in Peoria.

3.  She supplies books for both adults and children at a local restaurant, where people from that neighborhood know that there will always be a table of free books in the back corner.  These books are always supplied by Book Rack at absolutely no cost to the restaurant or the people who stop by to take a book to enjoy reading.

4.  She is a true entrepreneur!  She is constantly brainstorming new ideas for improving the shop and insuring that customers have a really good time shopping there.  If you have ideas for her, she'd love to hear them!  She also owns, Hardin Candles, selling her own line of soy based candles.

5.  She cares for others, as a tutor for area dyslexic students.  

Reason #3:  You'll Find Great Prices!

Most used bookstores strive for selling books for 1/2 to 1/4 of their original price.  Some stores feature $1.00 rack, which is super fun if you have young children.  It's always a treat to be able to tell your kids to pick a book when you stop by, knowing that $1 is within your budget.

At Book Rack, books are generally priced at just $6 or under.

There is a special children's room for readers who are middle-school and younger.

Reason #4: You May Get A FREE Book on your birthday!

You always get a FREE book when you stop by Book Rack Used Books during the week of your birthday.    Age doesn't matter!  Young and old alike receive a free book!  I just love the word "Free", especially when it comes to books!

Reason #5: Special Sales and Promotions

Local used bookstores often have special promotions and sales.  Sometimes they have author fairs, where you can stop by and chat with local authors and buy their books.  They have Black Friday and Small Business Saturday promotions and other Holiday sales.  The best way to keep apprised of these savings opportunities is to find their page on Facebook and "like" it. 

"Like" Book Rack Used Books on Facebook:

1.  You'll be apprised of all special sales or deals right when they happen! 
2. Stacy also posts photos of books, which have just come into the store.  If you message her and yell "dibs" first, then she will put that book on a "hold" shelf for you and you'll have 24 hours to stop by the store and purchase it.  
3. You'll know when Stacy has her periodic "Dollar Days" Sale.  It's just what it sounds like.  All books in the store are just $1 for a specific period of time. 
4. You'll find out about special contests!  

Reason #6:  Referral Program!

 Once again, many used bookstores have referral programs.  It's the "you scratch my back.  I'll scratch yours" idea.  When you bring them business, they find a nice way to tell you "thank you."

Book Rack Referral Program:

 If you refer friends to Book Rack, when they stop by and spend $5 or more, you will get a FREE $3 book!  You can get business cards from Book Rack Used Books and write your name on the back of each card.  They can present the card to Stacy when they come to shop.  Or your friends can just tell Stacy that you referred them, when they stop by.  You'll still get credit!  There's no limit!  If 10 friends spend $5 each, then you will 10 FREE books priced at $3 or less! So she can track your referral credit, you need to give  Stacy your name so she can put it into the computer.  

Use my name, please!  

Stacy has me in the computer under both my real name and as Under the Median.  So, please, please stop by and peruse the books at this amazing local business.  Do be sure to tell them that Hope from Under the Median sent you!  You'll get books at a great price and at the same time you'll help feed my need for new books to read!  Thanks so much!

Happy Shopping and Happy Reading!

Do you have a local used bookstore?  What has been your experience?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!  

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope