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Why pay full price when deeply discounted books are just a few clicks away?

As a BuzzFeed Shopping editor, my goal is to find all the products actually worth buying.

We all know the thriftiest way to read is by going to the library, but sometimes you just gotta buy the book. Maybe your library's waitlist is way too long. Maybe you wanna feel your beach read with sand and not worry about it. Or maaaybe you just like owning your books like trophies. 

Whatever the reason, you can still shop and save when you go to the right online bookstore. Novels, coffee table books, comic books, nonfiction books, and even coloring books can come at steep discounts.

Considered the world's largest online independent used bookseller, Thriftbooks is a great place for one-stop shopping. They also have signed books, first editions, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. There's a ReadingRewards membership that lets customers earn points through purchases (500 points = a free book). 

If you're a teacher, there's a buy-four-get-one-free deal to help you stock your classroom (or home library). 

Shipping Info: 4–10 business days (express and expedited shipping available)

Bookshop aims to connect independent booksellers with a wider customer base. Users can pick a bookstore to support when checking out. It's still sent from Bookshop's distributor, but their chosen seller gets a cut of the profits. It's as easy to shop as Amazon, but you get to support small businesses. A win-win! 

Each month, they have promo offers (like 15% off select titles for Pride or 20% off when you refer a friend) so everyone gets a little something. :) 

Shipping Info: 4–10 business days (expedited, priority, and UPS Ground available)

Speaking anecdotally, Alibris has the best deals out of all the online used booksellers. Check out their $0.99 book page for total steals. Along with secondhand books, you can score discounted movies, CDs, and vinyl records. 

Shipping Info: 3–7 business days; free shipping on some orders over $39

Biblio is the largest independent online book marketplace in the world, boasting over 100 million books in its inventory. You can find new, discounted, and used books, as well as first editions, signed copies, and rare collectibles from sellers all over the country. There's even a page for $5 books that ship for free.

Shipping Info: Varies depending on the seller; free shipping available on some purchases 

Barnes & Noble offers a premium membership that gives members 10% off almost everything in the store, plus free shipping, a tote, and reward points. If you're not one to spend money to save money, they have a free membership that gives you $5 back for every $100 spent.

While you're shopping for books, you can also scoop up movies, music, ebooks, games, and toys. 

Shipping Info: 3–6 business days (express and expedited shipping available; free shipping on some orders)

Half Price Books' founders liked to say, “We buy and sell everything ever printed or recorded (except yesterday’s newspaper).” They also have movies, music, collectibles, manga, and games at steeply discounted prices. As the name promises, you can find books for 50% off! 

Shipping Info: 4–14 business days (expedited available)

AbeBooks has an enormous selection of new and used books, along with textbooks, first editions, and art. If you're not sure what to pick up next, you can also browse expert-curated catalogs. The Amazon-owned platform connects readers and booksellers, matching you with the best possible price after shipping costs.

Shipping Info: Varies depending on the bookseller; some free shipping available  

Book Outlet wants "book hauls [to] feel like wins, not splurges." Their used books are almost all at least half off the cover price. They also offer bundle-and-save deals and seasonal promos for even biggest savings.

Shipping Info: 3–15 business days; free shipping on $35+ orders

The legendary NYC bookstore is also online! While shopping for new or used books, you can pick up gifts, apparel, and gift cards. While you're not likely to find any deals on their rare or collectible books, you *can* save some money by taking a chance on a "Blind Date with a Book." Each illustrated cover gives the reader a hint at what type of book they might find inside. Prices start at $5!

Shipping Info: 4–14 business days (or UPS Ground in 2–7 business days)

When in doubt, Amazon will have it. The massive seller has essentially every book currently in print, along with some discontinued options through third-party sellers. They have an extensive network of sellers around the country offering used books in every condition. 

Shipping Info: Free 2-day shipping for Prime Members buying books directly from Amazon; shipping varies from third-party sellers 

Although not a direct bookseller, this platform compares prices from over 20 different online bookstores to ensure you're getting the best price. Not looking to commit? BookScouter has a rental section — handy if you're taking classes with expensive textbooks.

Shipping Info: Varies depending on the seller

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.