Books are the guides to generations; describing what’s gone on to that point and maybe what’s to come. Telling frightful stories of an eclipsed moment in history and triumphant tales of retribution and overcoming of odds. Books tell us where to go and chronicle where we’ve been. Even in the age of the internet there is still something comforting about curling up with a good Tom Clancy novel or a Good King James Bible.

But, just like everything else in our lives, there is something to be said for a good book, something even greater to be said for a good cheap book. Cheap books can be found on all fronts; from street corners and tiny stands to great sprawling mega media center book stores where there are virtual everything and considerable floors for you to get lost in. But where’s the best spot for a cheap book? What about textbooks? Where can you get a good copy of a college textbook? And for the kids, we need to consider where is the best place to locate cheap children’s books.

For starters, if you’ve got a Salvation Army nearby that’s always a great place to start. Find out if they have a special day when they put out the books or if there is any way you could volunteer there for a little while; you may just be able to score the books you’re looking for at the best price; free!

But if you’re looking for something specific and you don’t have time to wait around for it to just show up, you can try a used bookstore in your area. This is a commercial enterprise so newer; more popular books are likely to be considerably more expensive. However, if you’re willing to pay a little more then you’re likely to find what you’re looking for when you need it. You can also ask if they’ll hold onto a book for you if they get it in if you leave your name. Sometimes a little nice can go a long way.

There is also the barging bin at your bookstore. I hate to sound like a detractor of ‘little businesses but often you can get the better price from a huge retailer or bookstore than you can for the small mom n’ pop bookstores. As there is much higher overhead if they’re still leasing the store as well as the added competition of the lower priced neighbors. But if you’re looking for cheap books, they are out there; in physical form, cyberspace, and beyond.