The library: Perhaps the cheapest and best way is to go to the library. The Mid-Hudson Library System covers 5 counties (that's 65 libraries) and offers inter-library loans. With all 65 libraries sharing vast collections with each other, you won't have to do any driving to pick up a great read! If you don't already have your free membership card, get it soon! Side note: the Adriance in Poughkeepsie has recently been through a multi-year renovation, and it looks amazing inside and out.
In Beacon, there's a volunteer-run office called Beacon Reads next to the library where books are sold very inexpensively. To keep the circle of giving going, consider donating books you no longer want to them. All proceeds help to support our library, and it needs our help. Personally, I enjoy paying my fines for overdue books, because it makes me feel like I'm helping them out. Probably not so much, though.
The Bookworm: if you have access to transportation, check out this excellent paperback exchange in Poughkeepsie. They'll take your old books & give you a store credit, and turn you loose in their packed store. With well-organized sections, you'll be sure to enjoy your visit. They're located at 1797 New York 376 Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 - (845) 462-3873. Open Mon-Tue,Thu-Sat 10am-5pm; Wed 10am-6pm.
The Three Arts: a wonderful independent bookshop in Poughkeepsie that serves many Vassar College students. I've been fascinated in this place since I was 10. It's a small shop, but it has a lovely selection of new bestsellers and local history. They're located at 3 Collegeview Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY. (845) 471-3640. Open Mon - Sat, 9:30-5:30. There are other new bookstores in the area: Borders on Rt. 9 in Wappinger Falls and Barnes and Noble in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. I'm trying to focus on indy/used shops in this blog, however.
Thrift shops: we have 2 in Beacon that carry books. No, the selection isn't necessarily good. But you never know what you may find! Check out the new one on East Main near Durkin's bodega and the shop near Bank Square on the west side of Main Street. If you have access to transportation, there's Goodwill in Wappinger Falls and Newburgh & Salvation Army in Wappinger Falls and Poughkeepsie. I know there's a lot more around, but I don't know about their book selections.
Summer yard sales & yearlong estate sales: comb through the Poughkeepsie Journal & craigslist for these regularly. If they're near where you live and they mention books, check it out! We have so many creative people in this community that you can bet you'll find some nice ones. I happened across my neighbor's recycling box heaped with books one rainy morning, and walked away with novels by Jonathan Safran Foer, Jane Jacobs, and Dave Eggers. Even though some of the books smelled musty and I had to dry them out in the sun for a week, it really made my day!
Sharing magazine subscriptions: you know how your friend gets The New Yorker every week? What if you asked her if you could have some of the older ones once in a while? If you're really good friends & see each other often, perhaps it could be every week! Then you can talk about all the good stuff that was in there after you read it. Thanks again to the very sweet Erica for her kind sharing. Same goes with The New York Times (you know you want that Sunday mag!) and other lofty publications that you may not have time enough to get through on a weekly basis.
World Wide Web: there's so much information out here. I tend to gravitate towards McSweeney's because the writers are often hilarious and the publication is also available on my iphone. There are uncountable numbers of blogs devoted to literature, and many ways to download books for free or not. Books can always be bought on ebay, amazon, and a slew of other sites. Try ordering from Better World Books first though, as supporting them supports worldwide literacy.
Whatever your situation may be, please try not to throw books away. Besides the local organizations listed above that will take your books for resale, there are many others out there working hard to get books into the hands of people who don't have access. One my favorites is Room to Read, which "seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education." If you're in the city, check out their NYC Chapter! Better World Books generates funding for literacy initiatives around the world. According to their website, they have re-used or recycled over 53 million pounds of books and raised over $8.6 million for global literacy and local libraries. They support Room to Read and 4 other worldwide literacy programs.You can also provide books to our troops who are stationed overseas through Books for Soldiers, and books to prisoners with Books Through Bars, which sends dozens of boxes of books to prison libraries every year. If there's no time to donate locally or via mail, try leaving them on the street - they'll be gone in hours. Recycling is also an option as a last resort. Never the landfill or incinerator!
Finally, I have to mention a few of the best paperback exchanges I've ever had the privilege to enjoy. I love the idea of dropping off a box of books to get store credit, especially when the store is a treat to be in & the books are well chosen.
- Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado is the ultimate multi-floor book lounge. They have an awesome selection of used books and a solid selection of new ones. There are wonderful little sitting areas with comfy chairs, lamps & desks to encourage readers to really explore the books.
- Recycled Books in Denton, Texas is much the same in terms of size, but doesn't have quite the same atmosphere. It has a cd exchange that's not very well curated, but the rooms and rooms of books are well worth the time.
- Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon made me giddy. It was enormous, and I went there twice in my 24 hours in Portland to exchange books as I moved through a visit to the Pacific Northwest.
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