Reading is a hobby I would go to war to defend. I love it with my entire soul and I always encourage others to start a new book. After 2020, reading became a thriving trend on social media platforms, causing the creation of “BookTok.” This created excitement for people already passionate about the hobby. I, of course, was a part of this excitement.
Unfortunately, seeing influencers buy 30 new books at a time deflated my love for the book-loving trend. Printing, paper waste and overconsumption all came to the forefront of my mind. Many people were taking part in mass book shopping trips, creating collections that will sit unread for years. Their bank accounts weren’t looking too hot either – new books are not cheap.
As a reader and someone who is constantly thinking about sustainability, there are plenty of ways to become an active reader yourself without causing damage to the planet and your savings.
Utilize the Library
Libraries were created for people to learn and be able to read without having to worry about the costs. They’ve evolved to become amazing institutions today, but at the core of them are still books. Whatever genre you are looking for, the library near you most likely has it.
The public library is free to sign-up for, and you have an almost infinite amount of books at your disposal. It is a perfect place for those just starting their reading journey, and supporting the library by checking out books keeps it alive and running.
There are no rules to being a certified bookworm, and nowhere does it say you have to own books to become one. Go to the library, find something you think you’ll enjoy or go with a recommendation in mind. Once you check out your book, sit down and read. Before you know it, you’ll be back for more stories, saving money and protecting the planet with each page you turn.
The Libby App and E-books
I understand a trip to the local library may be inconvenient for people, especially college students with hectic schedules. Luckily, the library has many copies of e-books you can check out using the Libby app with a public library account. After that, you can check out any library material online.
Many people who get into reading like to purchase Kindles or other electronics for e-books, but the Libby app is a much cheaper alternative. The only downside is that you may have to put popular books on hold, just like you would with a physical library book. Fortunately, there are plenty of books available that you can check out with no wait.
E-books are a great alternative to print copies, especially for the environment. The amount of paper and ink saved makes a big impact, and many people have phones already so they can access the Libby app fairly easily.
Thrifting Books
As a book hoarder myself, I know the feeling of wanting to hold an owned physical copy while reading. The best way to stay sustainable while buying physical books is to purchase them secondhand.
While you can go to any secondhand store to find books, you’ll have better luck shopping at local bookstores. In Columbia, the Yellow Dog Bookshop has a wide selection of used books and some new copies. The books are much more affordable than Barnes & Noble or Target, and the shop has a wide variety of publications to choose from. Sabu’s Books and The Peace Nook are other bookstores in Columbia featuring some used copies, although they have less than the Yellow Dog Bookshop.
It can be tricky to find a specific book when you’re shopping in person, so looking for used books online is a great alternative. A website I use to look for old and new publications is Thrift Books. The virtual shop has a variety of editions and their shipping is pretty fast. I’ve purchased many classics from the site, including “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Sense and Sensibility” and “Little Women.” All were in good condition, which can be difficult to find in secondhand books. A feature of the website I really enjoy is the choice on what kind of condition you want the book in. If you’re looking for something cheaper than a “very good” condition, you can purchase a book in an “acceptable” condition.
Go Read Girl
There is no right way to be a reader; all you have to do is pick up a book and start reading. If you feel like you have no time, there are definitely ways to make some. I hope this inspires you to find a new story to love while also protecting the planet that so many writers cherish through their stories. Go read girl, you got this.