Yes guys you've read that correctly...probably every book-lovers favourite two words.... FREE. BOOKS.
So as all book lovers know, being a book collector can be expensive. Think of the books, hardcovers are so pretty but super pricey. Not to mention the price of buying new bookshelves!
So here is a quick and informative list of five ways you can get your bookish fix without forking out on another loan from the bank .... but seriously though, even though I can't afford lunch I will still somehow pay for the new illustrated Harry Potter edition every time
1) Your Local Library
Okay so this one may seem a little more obvious but the library is such a underrated bookish resource. So not only is there hundred or thousands of books available here, they also get in the new releases and you can also order a book into your library if they don't have it. The library has a budget for this and if they think a book will be popular with others they will definitely get it. If the book you want isn't there they can also get it sent over to your local library from other libraries around the country - pretty cool right?
As well as traditional books, they also have graphic novels, large print texts, language courses and even audiobooks you can download from their library catalogue for free!
Get to your library right now
2) Netgalley
Netgalley is fantastic for getting free e-books. Netgalley provide free books in exchange for a review. Once you get signed up, you don't have to be a blogger or anything, once approved you can begin requesting novels that they currently have listed on the site.
If you have a Kindle or e-reader, you can pop them straight onto that, or you can download an application for your computer- such as Adobe Reader, and read from your laptop.
Netgalley is a fantastic resource to get new released books and also discover plenty of new authors. With every genre of book from kids to cookery, to YA to graphic novels - there is definitely something there for everyone.
3) Book Swaps / Take a Book, Leave a Book
Book swaps are the perfect way to get free books, and also get more shelf space! You can hold a book swap with you bookish friends, family members, colleagues or with someone online.
Another great idea is the "take a book, leave a book" initiative. A box or container is left in a public place with a sign saying "Please take a book or leave a book". The book lover then brings a book they want to get rid of and takes a book that they like from the box.
These have been very successful in work places and also holiday resorts / homes. I think it's a great idea to promote reading and access to books - while also sharing a book you enjoyed but don't want anymore
4) Sell Your Books To a Second Hand Bookstore
So by this way you do kind of have to pay but only by means of books you no longer want. I usually do this once a year as I have a lot of books that build up that I have just lost interest in reading or did not enjoy.
Often you can go to your local second hand bookstore and offer to give them your books in exchange for store credit. You can then use this store credit to buy books from the shop! A great way to pass on our old books and get new ones.
5) Become a Book Blogger / Bookstagrammer
So this one is a little more difficult than the above. It's no secret that book bloggers and bookstagrammers get sent a lot of books. But to do this, you will have to build up a following before you can contact any authors or publishing companies about reviewing books for them in exchange for a review.
A lot of time and effort goes into both of these roles and you need to be prepared to give that in order to build a following, a reputation and receive some free books.
But I highly recommend anyone joining the book blogger community, not for the free books but for the warmest and friendliest community of people I've ever known.
So guys, those are my 5 tips for getting free books! What are some of your methods of getting free books and do you use any of the ones I've listed above? Let me know in the comments below.
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