How to Create Your Own Library on a Budget

Love to read and reread certain books? Do you want to build a personal library instead of visiting one? Here are 6 easy ways to build your own.

1. Shop library book sales.

Many libraries hold book sales every year. While some books have seen better days, you can also find some publications that appear brand new. Sometimes libraries can't use all of the donations they receive, or they have too many copies of certain titles. If you take some time to go through their offerings, you might just be able to add ten or more titles to your collection for under $30. You might have a list of certain books you are looking for, but keep your eyes open as well for books that simply appear interesting. You can always dispose of it if it proves uninteresting.

2. Check out used bookstores.

In addition to being a great place to find out of print, hard to find titles, used bookstores are great placed to hang out. You never know what to expect or what treasure you might find. If you take the time to take to talk to the employees there, they might be able to keep a look out for that certain title that will complete your collection. Visiting used bookstores will also provide you an opportunity to connect with others who love to collect books. If people get the know the proprietors, there might even be some insider information to be had with regards to sources of cheap, quality used books.

3. Hit the clearance tables at large chain stores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.

While visits to Barnes & Noble or Borders can be overwhelming and expensive, it doesn't have to be that way. Most large book chains have bargain tables located near the checkout counter. Take a look. There are some great bargains to be had, and there are usually interesting articles. It is worth checking out. It might not be easy to find the exact title for your personal library, but there are great bargains to be had.

4. Check garage sales and tag sales.

A lot of people think that any books at garage sales and tag sales might be second-rate. Truth be told, you will come across a lot of worse for wear paperbacks and old Reader's Digests; however, you might find some great hardcover books that appear brand new for next to nothing as well. It is always a gamble, but especially when it comes to books. That's what makes it fun. Going to garage sales and tag sales is an eye-opening experience, and it is easy to walk away with something you didn't expect.

5. Search E-Bay.

If you are searching for an inexpensive copy of a particular title, look no further than E-Bay. Chances are that you will be able to find the title for which you are searching for a very good price. Realistically, if one is searching for a specific title, this is probably the best way to go about it and find a quality copy for a good price. However, copies on E-Bay may be more expensive that what you might find at your local used book store. It simply just depends on what you're looking for and the quality of used book stores in your area.

6. Join Live Journal groups dedicated to books, reading, etc.

Another great way to search for that hard to find book is to join Live Journal. Once you join, you can join all kinds of groups dedicated to books, reading, and any of your other hobbies. If you are hopelessly in search of a certain title, you can create an entry asking people for advice on where to locate it. There are even some groups dedicated to swapping books. Such groups can also be helpful when trying to locate a hard to come across title or coming up with even more ideas on how build a library for very little money.

Collecting books does not have to be an expensive hobby. Indeed, searching for a bargain is half of the fun. In that way, once you are finished with the book, and decide that you don't wish to keep it, you won't mind giving it to a friend or selling it to a used bookstore. If you get creative, it can be a fun hobby that leaves you with a revolving bookshelf that always contains something great to read.