Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thrifty Tip for Thursday!

Us bloggers do love a good book don't we and I think 90% of the books I've brought or read recently have been down to a bloggers post or comment... Cath Kidston Sew anyone?!?!


I read a book at least once a week on my journey to and from work and if I were to pay full price it would become very costly so I preferred to swap books with friends or pick them up at boot sales. The only problem with this was an overflowing Amazon wish list containing books I still wanted to read but was reluctant to purchase full price - not to mention the price of books in charity shops these days!

I'd dabbled with Read it Swap it but found many of my swap requests unsuccessful. I often heard American bloggers in particular talk about picking books up from their local libraries, but my visits proved fruitless... until earlier this year I discovered my libraries online ordering service!

It may seem overally dramatic but I cannot stress how much this discovery has changed my life. It really is Amazon without the exchange of money at the end. Simply log on and search for your book title and hit the request button


Since my discovery I have reduced my wish list to one or two items and worked my way through more books than if I'd had to pay for them. Recently everyone was talking about the new Laura Ashley book, it's not necessarily something I "need" to own so I'm on the list for that.... Perfect English Cottages is sitting next to me write now to browse through, a fabulous book but not one I can justify buying right now


Some books I've borrowed and knew instantly I'd like to own such as Cabbages & Roses Guide to Natural Housekeeping (which is why it's on my Christmas list) and others I've been pleased I didn't buy as the first few pages didn't entice me or the recipes not as glorious as expected

And the best thing (besides it being free!) is that you will now have some spare cash to buy the books you do really want!

So go on... right now.... seek out your libraries online service and reduce that Amazon wish list and plan some snuggly nights with a collection of good books basking in the knowledge that it hasn't cost you a penny!



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25 comments:

  1. Oh Victoria, yummy books! I want to buy the Cath book and can't find it. Last week I treated myself to three novels and can't wait to find a store with some decent decorating books! Took my poorly altered dress back and will get it fixed, just wish at the wedding it was. Glad you enjoyed the few pictures already, it was a beautiful day! Love,Lori

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  2. What a wonderful alternative....and wonderful books waiting to enjoy!

    Carrie

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  3. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing, Have a sweet day!

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  4. I love the sew book...and I'm hoping to buy the LA book soon...Have a good day...xxx

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  5. I need to do this, I signed up & got my pin number about 6 months ago when you told me about it but I haven't got round to it yet. I will do it as my wish list is getting out of hand! I also have the Cabbage & Roses book in my wish list, think it's been there for about 18 months, no one wants to buy that one :( Have a good day x

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  6. I do exactly this - I hate buying books sight unseen, and the Amazon look inside facility tells you so little. The local library is amazing - I have Home Sweet Sewn waiting for me there at the moment - and it has only just been published! I also find Abebooks good for secondhand.

    Pomona x

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  7. Hi Victoria

    It is a good idea but unfortunately it doesn't work for me as I never seem to return them on time and get fined! They get mixed up with my own books or as recently happened, Alan packed some away in boxes whilst we have been working in the house without realizing that they belonged to the library!
    Miss P keeps loosing hers somewhere so I had to give in to buying instead! I have to confess that in a way ir suits me as a LOVE having books in every room!

    You have the right idea though ;-))

    Isabelle x

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  8. That's a good idea, especially if you've got an ever growing book list!!
    x

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  9. Libraries online sounds like a great idea - thanks for bringing it to my attention! :) xxx

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  10. That's a great Idea. at least the you can have a good look at a book before you decide if it's worth buying or not

    (((hugs)))
    karen

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  11. Twiglet and I have a weekly trip to the library in the next village, we also have a library bus!! He loves the bus and is obsessed with the fact that there is a toilet on it, well he is 4 :)
    Libraries are like parks a great resource for everyone, so we do our best to use them.
    Twiggy x

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  12. Fantastic advice and I am so, so jealous... I used to live in our local libraries, and now I live in a country that doesn't read in English! It's an unfortunate downside of being in the south of France. I'll just have to dwell on the culture and the weather, intead of the libraries...

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  13. It is so easy to get books nowdays, if you look around, like you did, you will find a way. Free books, I mean.
    QMM

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  14. Oh yes indeed, there is nothing to compare to the joy of free books!

    P.S: I suspect even I, Miss Butterfingers might be able to whip up the bag included in Sew...

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  15. Thanks Victoria! This is a great idea and I didn't know that service was available. I love your taste in books, by the way! Thank you for putting our Christmas button on your sidebar! Enjoy your day! Twyla

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  16. What a great idea , I will be having a look after! Thanks :) suzie xxx

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  17. there is not one book that you have mentioned that i dont currently have on my amazon wish list!!
    im definitly going to look into it,as i cant count how many times i have bought a book and was disappointed with the actual contents!

    rachel
    x

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  18. Great idea! Though the books being translated and in our library are few, but still, I like the idea! I want to say that I really appreciate (your) book reviews. It's so much better to know that kindred souls like or dislike the book before ordering it. Thanks!

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  19. I'm glad you found that service at your library. I use my library the same way, unfortunately some of the books I've requested have been requested by alot of people in front of me but eventually I get e-mailed my book is in! I also use an on-line service called Paperbackswap.com. It isn't just paperbacks, they have hardcovers, trade paperbacks and audiobooks! It's great! Enjoy!

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  20. Well what a great idea!! We have a BIG library in the Town centre and a couple of "little" branches aswell and I've pretty much read all the books I like in all of them, so I'll be looking at the ordering service thank you. I hope to get a couple of books in my stocking as I love reading...Thanks for your lovely comments you left me Lucey xx

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  21. Forgot to ask when will your lovely shop be open I keep popping over but it's always closed??? Lucey xx

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  22. Ohooo Victoria you are a clever lovely lady sharing this valuable information with us, is it a free service. I know I have orderd books from the library and if they are not in county I have to pay a little fee, mind you is far cheaper than what it would cost to buy the book.

    I love the look of the cottage book and have had my eye on it for a while, off to check out your link

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Hugs

    X

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  23. P.S.

    I am a library lover, have maybe 40including the childrens at home, though like Isabelle have to keep my close eye on when they have to get back, you can take up to 20 out here and keep renewing for up to 16 weeks unless someone wants it.

    I have had IN BLOOM by Alice Whately for about 12 weeks now, don't want to give it back ;)

    X

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  24. Couldn't agree more, Victoria - I love the whole online ordering thing from the library. And online renewals, too - brilliant!

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  25. It is a great way to borrow books and also you then know if you really want to spend the money it.
    Alison

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