Do you prefer to buy books new or second-hand?

[Teufelsrad]

I buy most of my books used from charity shops. I'm on a pretty tight budget and I read so many books(I can read 3 or 4 on some days) that I couldn't afford to buy new.

I also make use of the library, and Kindle deals. What I also love about second-hand books, besides getting a bargain, is the element of surprise. I never know what I'll pick up, and I've found so many on my wish list in charity shops.

I appreciate that authors deserve to be paid too, so if I really like a book then I'll probably buy a Kindle version, or a copy with a very beautiful cover, or just a hardback, but I can't afford to buy new all of the time. If I go to an independent bookstore then I'm happy to buy new.

Which do you prefer?

I prefer brand spanking new books and love having a splurge in Waterstones from time to time, but mostly I go for the charity shop or library haul. Wherever they've come from, the sight of those lovely piles of books waiting to be read give me a thrill.

I use the library for physical books and the free app that lets you download library books and library audio books. Anything our village library doesn't have in they will order. It keeps the library going

I do love reading new books - there's something about exploring a new book that no-one has read before. It's like treading through crisp, untrodden snow!

My kindle app is also great for reading e-books, some are really cheap from Amazon. Have also been lucky enough to win a couple with Mumsnet competitions, and occasionally read and review books for Netgalley. Have found some fantastic books and new authors this way.

Charity shops and car-boot sales are also great for browsing. It seems that reading books these days doesn't need to cost a fortune.

I love looking in the charity shops for books too, I figure I'm contributing a little to the charity while I'm treating myself too! The Help the Aged one locally always has a really good selection.
I also use the library a lot, including their book sales of old stock.

I buy from charity shops. I don't have much time to read but do love a good book. I just go and have a browse and buy what looks interesting then donate it back once I've read it/if it's no good. Unless it was a book I especially wanted or one I would keep I wouldn't want to spend new prices on them.

I buy books both new and second hand from Amazon. If I'm in town I look for books in charity shops. I also get kindle books from centsless books website which are either free or cheap.

I get through books really fast, maybe two a week and I never read a book twice so I prefer second hand from ebay or charity shops or borrowed from my sister. But if there is a new book out I really want to read I will buy it new.

Oh I LOVE a proper book I don't care if it's charity shop or brand new.
I think there's something so much nicer about an actual book than an e book.

I've signed up to bookbub They quite often have free ebooks and even to buy them they are quite cheap.
I've got hundreds stored on my kindle that I haven't read yet.

I get really excited when I get my daily email

Sorry pressed to soon.
The only reason I switched to kindle was space. I just hadn't got the room.

I've kept my favourites in book form but everything else is kindle.

Our doctors surgery take used books and sell them for 50p each. I've picked up so many there. Now have to hide in the airing cupboard, my bookcase is full.

Mostly secondhand. In fact it was only when I got a Kindle that I started buying new books regularly. Before I mostly only brought new if it was for a present or if I had been given a book token (and I don't think I've had one of those since I was a teenager).

I love browsing secondhand bookshops and charity shops. I also get some from Amazon Marketplace and use the library sometimes.

Second hand all the way, however love my kobo ereader. The back-lit screen has changed my life. For all you London based peeps, are you aware of the biannual Amnesty Book Fair in Blackheath? Lots of the publishers donate books so you can pick up beautiful editions for a couple of pounds each. Not sure if they have other locations.

I agree with the feast or famine when it comes to second hand books! When it comes to books, there is nothing better than finding a book you have been looking for at a good price.

Bookbub is good for some books, it is American so the books are generally American writers and subjects, but it’s a good way to get freebies and read new authors. Readly is a great app for magazines, loads of subjects, covering everything from history and nature to body building! It’s £7.99 per month for literally 100s Of magazines.

This morning I bought very old and battered copy of Animal Farm from a charity shop for the same price it was originally sold at, as printed on the back.

i quite agree with buying second hand books as well as using libraries etc i have never found money in them yet but i have found bookmarks loads of those including leather ones etc postcodes photographs etc. i dont endorse scribbling in books but i have had people writing their own opinions of the reads which can be interesting

I love second hand books, makes a lot of sense in terms of recycling and also a lot cheaper/helping charity shops etc.

There’s a book swap thingy near my DD’s school. Someone has built a little wooden shed at the bus stop and we both love going to see what’s in there.

Used to buy new, then secondhand. Now charity shops and the library! I've tried reading books on iPhone and it doesn't relax me at all, sleep better at night after a good paperback read 😀

Etihad- aw that's so lovely!!

I will rarely buy new for myself but like getting for birthday / Christmas. Mostly it's charity shop etc bargains. Recently if there is a book I really want to read I will look on Amazon and see if it's available second hand, which it often is in very good condition.

When I buy new books, they're mostly for gifts. I want to support publishers, so perhaps if I were suddenly wealthy, I'd buy all new books. But I find used-book stores more interesting, more individual.

I definitely prefer secondhand books, can't see anything wrong with them, although I used to work with someone who was worried that she might catch something (god knows what!) from them. I don't see the point of paying for a new paperback when you can get many more for the same price from a charity shop, and help a good cause as well.
Another good place for secondhand books is your local hospital, sometimes different departments have their
own trolley/bookcase. There are often boxes or bags of books given away on freecycle or facebook, although it's a bit of a risk as you don't always know what you're getting!