Books on a budget...

I have a friend who, like myself, devours books. She can't get enough of them. We have a friendly competition going on a site call Good Reads, where you can list all the books you've read (I'm winning...but just barely...)

Here's where we differ. Though we both love books, we have very different ways of obtaining them.

I borrow them from friends, family and more often, the library. She buys them. She argues that books are her one passion, the only thing she spends money on. She doesn't buy shoes, or jewelry or handbags. Books enrich her mind. She can lend them to others.

I agree with all these arguments. But in the end it all comes down to the same thing. Books cost money. And when you're frugal, the first rule of thumb is don't spend money unless you have to.

When it comes to books, there are very few I feel compelled to buy. The occasional Stephen King novel tops my list (though I've read less of him over the years, only becoming interested again when I took out his recent novel, Duma Key, from...the library).

Nine times out of ten, if there is a book you are dying to read, you can get it for free.

The library is the number one resource. Now that libraries are networked, you're not limited to the one located down the street. And since libraries are now online, users can reserve titles without ever leaving home. Sure, you may have to wait a bit longer (or in some cases, quite a bit longer) to read that new bestseller. But do you really want to shell out $24.95 for something that will be finished within a week and then sit collecting dust for the rest of your life? (Or at least until you decide to donate it to the library).

Friends are another great resource for books. I have to say, though I wonder why my friend continues to buy so many books, I'm thankful that she is always willing to lend them to me (and vice versa). If you're in a book group, it's always a good chance that someone has purchased the book of the month, and if you're a fast reader and don't mind waiting, you can usually snag the book in time to read it before your discussion.

If you absolutely must purchase books, then the best ways to do that are as follows:

• Library sales
• Yard Sales
• Paperback book exchange and used book stores
• Remainder books at the larger chains like Barnes & Noble or Borders.
• Discount stores like Ocean State Job Lot, Building 19 and even The Christmas Tree Shop. (Oh, how I long for the days of Buck-a-book!)
• www.paperbackswap.com, a place to trade paperback and hardcover books with other readers.

And if you need to purchase a book that is very new, join the Borders Rewards club (free!) and look for their email coupons which get you anywhere from 33%- 40% off the list price (not sale price) of any one book. BJ's Wholesale Club, Sam's Club and Costco also feature book sections with great discounts.

Amazon.com also has great prices on books, but beware the shipping cost involved. I have a very good friend who has an Amazon Prime membership, which gives her free 2-day shipping on most items. Whenever I want something, I email her with my payment information and she has it shipped directly to me. Overstock.com and Half.com also sell books for less. And often you can find the book you are looking for on eBay for quite a bit less.

Books are always a great way to expand your mind. But the best way to do that is without opening your wallet.