A Bookworm's Feast

I rarely buy books (is that sacrilegious for a publishing student to say?). In fact, aside from the required texts I've had to purchase for class, I can't remember the last time I bought a book. But I do like to spend time at bookstores, and libraries, and yard sales, and... well, picking through trash. West Philadelphia seems to have a plethora of pages getting tossed in the rubbish. Last night, while walking home from a pleasant weekend, I stumbled upon three cratefuls of books right outside my driveway. As you could probably guess, I went to town. Here's the catch of the day.

(Mom and Dad, if you're reading this: Keys to Choosing Child Care is not for me, but for a pregnant friend. Don't get excited.)


This is a great segue into talking about my other tips for finding free literature:

First, I hope you all have a library card. If you don't, what are you waiting for? They're free! And, most of the time, if you have a card to one library, they can order books from other libraries for you.

Second, never underestimate the trash. If it looks interesting, take a second glance. Look what I found, and that's just in one day.

Third, trade books with friends. Seeing what books they're into is one way to get to know people on a deeper level, and it's a great conversation starter, too.

Fourth, request books as gifts (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, birthdays, graduation, whatever the occasion). My grandparents give me a gift card to Barnes and Noble every year and it's one of the best presents I get!

Fifth, there are bloggers that review books and give them away for free. Enter their contests and maybe you'll win! If you do, I'll be jealous because I have yet to do so (fingers crossed).

Sixth, download free audiobooks here, if you're into that sort of thing.

And seventh, if you must spend money, I highly recommend library book sales. Prices range from one penny to five bucks, on average, and the money goes towards the library itself. That means they can buy you more books!

There's a great program in West Philly called Books Thru Bars, which provides free books to incarcerated people. I volunteer here when I can, reading letters from prisoners, picking books to meet their requests, and packing them up for shipment. I donate my books here when I'm done reading them because I know books want to be read, and the best way to do that is to keep them moving on.