Frugal Friends Podcast Episode Summary: "How to Get Free Books"
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Eric Sirianni
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into practical strategies for avid readers seeking to expand their literary collections without breaking the bank. Titled "How to Get Free Books," the episode offers a comprehensive guide filled with actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable resources aimed at helping listeners embrace frugality while indulging their love for reading.
1. Leveraging Local Libraries and Digital Platforms
Timestamp: [08:28]
Jen and Jill begin by highlighting the invaluable resource that is the local library. They emphasize not only traditional borrowing but also the utilization of digital services like Hoopla and Libby, which allow listeners to rent eBooks and audiobooks seamlessly. Jill shares, “We are both a part of a book club, and this is entirely how we read our books. So even though we are reading regularly, we're not purchasing every book that we're reading” ([08:28] Jen).
Key Takeaway: Signing up for local library services and using digital apps like Hoopla and Libby can significantly reduce the cost of accessing a vast array of books.
2. Obtaining Non-Resident Library Cards
Timestamp: [09:52]
The hosts discuss the option of acquiring non-resident library cards from counties or states outside their residence, which can offer access to additional library resources. Hoda Kotb mentions, “Everydayreading.com has a list of all the places where you can get non-resident library cards along with how much they cost, if anything.” ([09:52] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Non-resident library cards can unlock access to more books and digital platforms, broadening your borrowing options.
3. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Timestamp: [12:01]
Jen and Jill introduce Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children. Jill explains, “If you have kids, this is a fantastic thing to sign up for. Getting like a gift in the mail every month for your kid that you didn't have to buy is so fun” ([12:01] Jill).
Key Takeaway: Enrolling children in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library ensures a steady stream of free books, fostering early literacy and a love for reading.
4. Exploring Little Free Libraries
Timestamp: [12:31]
The concept of Little Free Libraries—small, neighborhood book exchange boxes—is discussed as a charming way to access free books. Hoda recounts her experience: “We came across on like a 15-minute bike ride... I stopped at all of them and found some really great options” ([12:31] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Little Free Libraries provide a community-driven approach to sharing and discovering new books effortlessly.
5. Acquiring Books Through Review Programs
Timestamp: [14:02]
For those beyond traditional libraries, Jen and Jill explore review book programs like NetGalley, Book Rebel, and Readsy. Jill notes, “It's just a single exchange that they might want is a review or sharing it if you have, like, a social media presence” ([14:02] Jill).
Key Takeaway: Participating in review programs can grant access to advanced reader copies (ARCs) in exchange for honest reviews, expanding your book collection without cost.
6. Utilizing Project Gutenberg
Timestamp: [15:47]
The duo highlights Project Gutenberg as a treasure trove for free eBooks, especially classical literature. Hoda points out, “They have over 70,000 books you can download or read online... you can stay updated on their new books” ([15:47] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Project Gutenberg offers a vast library of public domain books for free download, catering to a wide range of literary tastes.
7. Swapping Books with Friends and Family
Timestamp: [16:35]
Jen and Jill advocate for book swapping among friends and family. Hoda suggests initiating threads in Buy Nothing groups to facilitate exchanges: “This could be a fun thread to start in your buy nothing group... It's a fantastic way to discover new books in a place that's already primed for gifting” ([24:17] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Organizing book swaps within your social circles can lead to a diverse and ever-changing personal library without any financial commitment.
8. Exploring Book Deal Websites
Timestamp: [25:31]
The hosts discuss BookBub Deals, a platform that notifies users about free and discounted eBooks based on their preferences. Jen elaborates, “They do not sell books directly, but they'll show you where the deals are happening... You can also proceed with caution and knowledge of yourself” ([25:31] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Book deal websites like BookBub and FreeBooksy are excellent resources for discovering time-limited free or heavily discounted books across various genres.
9. Engaging in Book Crossing
Timestamp: [29:31]
Book Crossing is introduced as a method to leave and find books in public places, fostering a global sharing community. Hoda clarifies, “It's not like littering. You download labels, print them, and mark the books as part of the Book Crossing community” ([30:16] Hoda).
Key Takeaway: Book Crossing combines the excitement of a treasure hunt with community sharing, allowing readers to exchange books freely while tracking their journey.
10. Navigating the Amazon Kindle Store
Timestamp: [30:32]
Jen and Jill caution listeners about navigating free offers on the Amazon Kindle Store, distinguishing between genuinely free books and those tied to subscription services like Kindle Unlimited. Jill advises, “When it's actually free, it will say buy now with one click and it will be saved so much money, 100%” ([32:18] Jen).
Key Takeaway: Being strategic and informed when browsing the Kindle Store can lead to legitimate free eBooks without falling into subscription traps.
11. Participating in Book Giveaways
Timestamp: [32:49]
The hosts encourage entering book giveaways hosted by authors and content creators. Jill shares her experience, “If you're a book lover, you want to read more books in 2025... the best opportunity with buy what you love without going broke” ([33:29] Jill).
Key Takeaway: Engaging with authors and participating in giveaways can provide opportunities to receive free books, especially new releases and exclusive editions.
12. Additional Methods and Tips
Timestamp: [35:05]
Jen and Jill offer supplementary methods for obtaining free books, including:
- Street Team Programs: Joining an author's street team to receive ARCs.
- Short Stories and Poems: Utilizing platforms like the Library of Short Stories and Poetry Foundation for free literary pieces.
- Audiobook Trials: Taking advantage of free trials from services like Audible to access audiobooks without cost.
Key Takeaway: Exploring various online resources and taking advantage of trial offers can further enhance your ability to access free literature.
Lightning Round: Favorite Free Books
Timestamp: [44:39]
In a lighthearted segment, Jen and Jill share their favorite free books:
- Hoda: "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, accessed through the library.
- Jen: "Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi via Hoopla, and children's favorites like "If You Find a Rock."
Key Takeaway: Personal recommendations highlight the diverse range of high-quality books available for free through the discussed methods.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Wrapping up the episode, Jen and Jill emphasize the importance of community and resourcefulness in obtaining free books. They encourage listeners to pre-order their book, "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke," to support their mission of making personal finance education more equitable and inclusive. Additionally, they invite listeners to share their own success stories and favorite free book sources, fostering a collaborative and supportive listener community.
Jen concludes, “If Frugal Friends has helped you save $25 in your life... help us further this mission and help other people save $25 or more” ([05:58] Jen).
Key Takeaway: Supporting the hosts' initiatives not only enhances personal financial well-being but also contributes to a broader mission of financial education and empowerment.
Notable Quotes
- Jen Smith: “You'll only pay for one book for the rest of your life after this. Maybe two. Who's to say? But really, that's all you'll need.” ([04:00])
- Hoda Kotb: “These are such cool concepts.” ([14:02] Hoda)
- Jen Smith: “There are so many places that you can also find some of these shorter literature pieces.” ([35:05])
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast serves as an invaluable resource for readers aiming to cultivate a rich and diverse book collection without incurring significant costs. Through a blend of traditional library services, digital platforms, community initiatives, and strategic online engagements, Jen and Jill provide listeners with a robust toolkit for accessing free books. Their personable delivery and practical advice make this episode both informative and inspiring for anyone looking to embrace frugal reading habits.