Most of us are stuck at home right now just trying to stay sane. And to go along with my post about books to read during a quarantine, I decided to compile a list of great online book stores. I haven’t used all of these, as I usually enjoy buying my books from local used bookstores instead. But since that isn’t possible, I started poking around the internet, and here’s what I found. And no, I didn’t include Amazon, since it seems like a given.
Here are the top five online bookstores to purchase books from for your quarantine reading goals (or boredom).
Thrift Books
Not only are there plenty of books for moms to choose from, but there are plenty for kids, too! Shipping cost is free if the total is $10.00 or over only in the U.S. There are plenty of cheap, used books to choose from, and the company is dedicated to being environmentally friendly by using 100% recyclable packaging.
Book Depository
This online book store has both new titles as well as a bargain section where you can search for used books for cheap. Shipping is always free, no matter where you’re located. They were bought out by Amazon in 2011, which has improved their reach to more customers and better selection.
Books-a-Million
Started in 1917, this company is still strong today. Not only do they sell online, but they also have retail locations. Shipping is a little expensive with standard shipping starting at $3.00 per order plus $0.99 per item. But orders usually ship within 24 hours if it’s not a huge order. They do have a membership club where shipping is free.
BookMooch
Looking to clean out your collection of books? This site will let you donate them and obtain points toward getting new books. Here’s how they explain it: “Every time you give someone a book, you earn a point and can get any book you want from anyone else at BookMooch. Once you’ve read a book, you can keep it forever or put it back into BookMooch for someone else, as you wish.” There’s a lot more to it than just exchanging books, so check out their Overview page if you’re interested in trying it out.
Better World Books
I found this site interesting because, for every book you purchase, they donate one to someone in need. If they are unable to sell a book, they either reuse it or recycle it. The company is also passionate about literacy and offers grants to nonprofits in need who focus on literacy. Last I checked, they claim to have donated 28,870,540 books, raised $30,681,557 for libraries and literacy programs, and reused or recycled 398,052,032 books.
Audiobooks
If you’re looking for an alternative to reading a physical book, then I suggest looking into audiobooks at audiobooks.com. You can sign up for a free trial that includes three free audiobooks after the trial ends, it costs $14.95 per month, but you get to select three titles to listen to. They have over 150,000 or more titles to choose from as well as 700,000 free podcasts. If you struggle to sit down and read, try listening to a book while cleaning or taking a walk.
I know we’re all going a little stir crazy staying at home, but now may be the best time to catch up on our reading goals. If you’re starting a new book or picking up an old one, you can find some of the best deals at these online book stores. Stay sane, everyone!
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