Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Reading books can help you relax from a stressful day as well as stimulate your mind by introducing exciting adventures and ideas.

Unfortunately, books are not always cheap and even if you manage to find deals at a store, the overall costs of continuously buying books does add up over time. Avoid breaking the bank by following these top ten ways to save money on books so you can keep up your healthy reading habits.

10. Friendly exchange

Save money on books by exchanging stories with your pals. Ask your friends who also love to read if you could borrow a few books they have in exchange for some you have read and since retired to the bookshelf.

9. Book club

A book club consists of people who like to read and involves getting together usually every once a month or more to discuss a selected book. Check with a member of your club to see if they are interested in lending a book copy to you if they finish early or even to exchange other non-related books they may have.

8. Buy second-hand

Used books typically sell second-hand books that are marked down by half the original price or more depending on the book.

7. Bargains

Check your local bookstore to see if it has any special deals on that week. Bookstores may offer a “buy two; get the third book free” deal or have a section of the store designated to books that are 50% off. Sign up for e-newsletters and sales notices so that you don’t miss your favorite bookstore’s discounts, sales and promotions.

6. Post-holidays

Save money on books by waiting until after the holidays to make purchases. Most stores will mark down prices or hold sales after holidays such as Christmas and Mother’s Day in order to clear out extra inventory. You can shop these post-holiday sales in stores or through your favorite online catalog sites.

5. Sign up

Bookstores often offer special reward programs or cards that are designated for use at their specific store. Although there may be a small sign-up fee, users will collect points per every book purchased which could lead to major savings over the course of a year.

4. Wait it out

New and hot best-sellers are priced the most expensive during the first few months they are released. Try waiting until the frenetic rush has died down so you can buy these books at a reduced price, or enjoy some savings by joining a monthly book club.

3. Paper back

Although hard-cover books may be seen as more classical and special, paper-back copies are an excellent way to save money on books – while still reading the same material!

2. Search online

The World Wide Web has a plethora of information available, including texts that are free to download depending on site. Some sites will also let you rent books or audio books online for a lower price.

1. Library

One of the top ways to save money on books is by attending a local public library. The library is a wonderful resource of a variety of books including textbooks, cookbooks, and fiction, history and research journals. Many libraries also have the ability to order in any books you may be seeking.