8 great places to find cheap books (no online orders required!)

I’m a book lover through and through—I need to feel the weight of a book in my hands, flip through a few pages, and maybe even judge it by its cover before I commit. Online shopping doesn’t do it for me (though I’ve caved a time or two).

Instead, I’ve spent years hunting for the best places to buy books cheap in real brick-and-mortar spots. If you’re like me and want to know where to buy books for cheap without clicking “add to cart,” here’s my go-to list of spots that deliver affordable reads—everything from bestsellers to hidden gems.

Photo: Deposit Photos

You can touch, browse, and discover these places while keeping your wallet happy. Here’s where to buy the cheapest books in person, plus a few tips to make the most of your hunt.

Used Bookstores

If you don’t mind a book with a little history (or even a pristine one), used bookstores are goldmines. They’re often the best place to buy cheap books, especially if you’re missing a title from a series or want a popular read in great condition—they might have several copies to choose from.

Bonus: Many will buy your old books and give you store credit so that you can trade in last month’s read for this month’s treasure.

Clearance or Pop-Up Bookstores

These temporary shops often pop up in strip malls or outlets, selling off overstock or odd lots. The selection can be quirky—tons of cookbooks one day, aviation manuals the next—but the prices are solid, if not rock-bottom.

A great option for anyone searching where to buy books for cheap on a whim.

Local Book Swaps or Little Free Libraries

Some communities host book swaps where you can trade your old reads for someone else’s, or you might stumble across a Little Free Library—a small box of free books on a street corner. It’s not technically “buying,” but it’s a fantastic way to find cheap books (or free ones!) while keeping things hands-on.

Tips to Score the Best Deals on Cheap Books

Before you head out to explore where buy cheap books, a little prep goes a long way:

• Make a List: Jot down your favorite authors alphabetically and carry it with you. When you’re staring at a wall of spines, it’s easy to blank out.
• Track Your Wants: Keep a running list of specific titles—maybe a friend raved about it, or you read a glowing review. I’ve got Sue Grafton’s “K is for Killer” on mine since it’s eluded me forever.
• Know Your Series Gaps: Missing a book in a series? Write it down. Same goes for classics you’ve always meant to read, like East of Eden.
• Set a Price Benchmark: Amazon might charge $19 for a rare used book from my childhood, but I’d rather wait and snag it for 50 cents at a thrift store. Know what you’re willing to pay.

Before long, you’ll have a stack of books piled high—maybe in a cedar chest like me, or on a shelf begging to be organized—all for pennies on the dollar. The hunt is half the fun, and the savings make every find feel like a victory. So, where can you buy books for cheap? Start with these spots, and let me know your favorites—I’m always up for a new book-hunting adventure!