In a world where costs are rising sharply, and more people than ever are struggling financially, I’m often asked how I can afford to read.

It’s a fair question.

I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy reading for pleasure. Reading is so important for our mental health and wellbeing, helps us to relax when we’ve had a long day, and if you’re an insomniac like me, reading in bed at night is vital for allowing us to drift off into a healthy, natural sleep.

Here are my tips for reading on a budget:

Join a library!

Libraries have moved on substantially since I was a child. They now stock a much wider variety of content, including e-books and audiobooks as well as physical books. It’s also possible to borrow magazines and newspapers. You don’t even have to peruse the shelves anymore if you don’t want to – you can simply order your chosen titles via the library catalogue online and collect them at your leisure.

Joining a library gives you access to a great range of literature which is absolutely free! Many libraries also host reading groups and book clubs (run by volunteers just like me) and are a great place to make new friends and socialise.

If you’re looking for a current bestseller you might be disappointed, but if you’re flexible, prepared to have a rummage or endure a short wait for your chosen title(s), joining a library is really a no-brainer.

Why buy books when the state provides them for free?

Find a book swap

I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of book swaps, and I’m hooked!

A book swap is just that: donate your old books and swap them for new ones.

Book swaps can be found anywhere: I’ve found that most major towns and cities have at least one. My local book swap is in a café run by community volunteers and is held on the second Saturday of each month. Others can be found in coffee shops, church halls, or even in abandoned phone boxes. Flexibility is key here, but it is possible to find a gem or two.

Or why not create your own book swap? Ask a friend or family member if you can borrow one of their books and give them a book in return.

Buy pre-loved

Does it really matter if the pages are dog-eared, or the spine is a bit worn? I don’t think so.

Pre-loved books can be found everywhere, from charity shops to car boot sales and online. eBay has a great range of online bookstores that specialise in pre-loved books, and I can confirm that they are very good quality. World of Books, Baham Books and Music Magpie are all great sources for pre-loved books (if you’re flexible on quality, you can find them for as little as 99p!) and the postage is free too. Always a bonus!

Try an audiobook

Audiobooks aren’t cheating – ignore anyone who tells you that.

If it’s a good book, and it makes you happy, what does it matter what format a book takes? I discovered audiobooks after struggling with anxiety attacks during the pandemic, and they’re a great help in focusing my mind and promoting calm. I listen to an audiobook every morning whilst I’m getting ready for work, and every evening whilst I’m getting ready for bed.

Many libraries now give members access to an app which stocks audiobooks (I use Borrowbox). Or if you’re a Spotify premium user, did you know you have access to 15 hours of audiobook listening time? That does mean you’ll need to ration your listening (or pay £8.99 to purchase 10 more hours), but the selection of audiobooks is comprehensive, and it’s a great way to listen to the latest bestsellers without additional cost.

Alternatively, I’ve found audiobooks hiding in plain sight on Spotify, disguised as podcasts. The Sleepy Bookshelf is a good choice if you struggle with sleep: each episode is a chapter from a classic novel, read in a relaxing tone. If you love the classics, this one is for you: Pride and Prejudice, Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island are all available via The Sleepy Bookshelf.

Exercise patience

It’s tempting to read the latest bestsellers right now or go out and purchase that hyped book on the day of publication.

However, it’s important to remember that as the buzz dies down, so will the price. I’ve found books that were less than 12 months old reduced to as little as £3.99 for an e-book: I’d have paid much more than that if I’d purchased them during the month of publication.

Invest in an e-reader

No, it isn’t free, but investing in an e-reader can help you to save money on books in the long run. Reading digitally is proven to be much cheaper than purchasing physical books, and if you’re a library member, you can download e-books directly to your device without paying a penny.

Anything I’ve missed?