Best Hobby On A Budget: Reading

Avid readers have always known the value of a good – or even a mediocre – book. The escape involved in delving into the text, the educational value, the entertainment, the creativity… all of it is simply a fantastic time for anyone.

Which is something that a sad number of people have not yet discovered, as reading takes a backseat to watching television, movies, video games and the Internet. You don’t have to go further than a Facebook news feed to see how literacy has taken a hit.  Especially in an age where hand held multi media devices have become a household item everyone seems to possess.

But that doesn’t mean the pass time is dead by any means. In fact, if you are on a strict budget (or just broke) reading can become an excellent and affordable hobby. Try these tips on making reading an every day entertainment for you and your family, while saving plenty of cash doing it.

Tip #1 – Set Up A “Reading Area”

It helps to have a special place where you go to relax. Maybe it is in the window seat over looking the front yard. Perhaps it is the overstuffed recliner in the living room. It could even be in the bath or your bed.

The other day, I read an article by someone who said he had gotten his entire family into an hour of reading per day by setting up a “book corner” in his family room. They bought a bunch of giant bean bags and would make snacks like fruit juice and popcorn. Then they would all settle down each evening and read instead of watch television or play video games.

Tip #2 – Use Your Local Library

In many areas, public libraries  have gained a resurgence in popularity. In a time of serious financial strain for many people, searching out the nearest county or city branch is a great way to get books, videos, study or just find events being held in their rec rooms.

With most switching to online formats for ordering books to be delivered to your local library, as well as ebooks and audiobooks now available, this is a great way to read what you want for free. So get a library card, and start enjoying the benefits.

Tip #3 – Invest In An eReader

It might seem a little bit of anti-budget advice, but an ereader is actually an excellent investment for book lovers. You can often find bestsellers for as little as $9.99, which is less than the average paperback. There are often sales of books for $0.99 on many sites. There are also cool Android apps for reading.

Not only that, but you can sign up for websites that allow you to “trade” ebooks you already own. Others can request something from your library, which you send to them using the DRM protection offered through the website. You can then search other people’s libraries and request access to their books.

One other plus is public domain books. There are whole libraries full of Creative Commons works such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Wuthering Heights, The Great Gatsby and numerous other classics everyone should read at least once. You can find them through the Gutenberg Project, or just through websites like Amazon.

Tip #4 – Vary Your Reading Material

Sometimes you can get burned out or bored with the same old thing. The best method for creating a reading hobby is to take advantage of all the different genres out there to explore. From deep, moving books to intellectual reads, and then to lighthearted comedic essays, you can give yourself a lot of choice.

This is another way that an ereader can be helpful, or just a tablet in general. It will allow you to find other materials for free online, which you can then read anywhere.

Tip #5 – Buy Used Books

Used books are a fountain of resource. Second hand stores and charity shops will often have plenty to choose from, some good and some bad. Sites like Amazon have a huge number of used titles available, and if you go with eBay you can often get whole lots with half a dozen or more for the price of just a few.

In the warmer months, you can also find trunk or yard sales that might have a decent collection for you to look through, as well.

Conclusion

Reading is a pass time that anyone can get into, they just need an introduction. If you or your family are looking for a hobby that doesn’t break the bank, here is your chance. There are plenty of ways to make it a part of your daily routine, reaping all of the benefits of books while enjoying yourself.

But as Levar Burton once said on the timeless show Reading Rainbow, “Don’t take my word for it.”

Image: the Book Love