Cheap books for Charity (Where do you buy your books?)

Member Name: Squiddly450

Product:	Where do you buy your books?
Date:	13/02/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap books, giving something to charity AND recycling!

Disadvantages: Stock can be limited if you're looking for something in particular

I always used to get my books mainly in Waterstones, Occasionally in Tesco or WHSmith and rarely on Amazon.com.

I have a voracious reading appetite, often getting through a paperback in 4-6hours. This can be expensive when planning to go on Holiday!
To my absolute delight last year, I chanced upon Sebastians trust, a charity bookshop based in Bracknell, Berks. Unlike regular charity shops, this one just sells books so it has a brilliant selection-fiction, non-fiction, children's books, reference, gardening, travel, DIY, cooking etc etc. The books are divided by subject, and then alphabetically so it's not your usual free for all which takes hours of rummaging.

I would estimate up to 70% of the books have only been read once and I have an agreement with my mum that she doesn't mind receiving "slightly seconds" as gifts because she knows it makes much more sense to get them from here than feed the greed of larger companies.

As well as newer releases, I have found books like The Readers Digest "Cookery Year" In pristine condition. This book is an absolute bible and is out pf print so it was a real find. I go in for a browse about once per month, I don't always buy but it's good to keep an eye on what they have in as there are some real treats to be had.

Paperbacks cost £1.20 and hardbacks £1.70, regardless of original price. When I have finished with reading books, as long as they haven't become too battered on my travels, I simply return them to the shop-it's almost like a library with a small rental charge but it means I can keep my shelves clear.

So, you may not have a sebastians but I would highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for a similar shop near you.

Summary: An excellent venture, save money and be virtuous!