Reading is, without a doubt, one of the great loves of my life. You might be thinking, “Geez, Jess, you need to get out more,” but I urge you to hear me out. It’s more than a fun escape – it’s a form of meditation and how I manage my stress. It helped me overcome burnout (something I didn’t think was possible at one point). But it wasn’t always this way. Even though I’d been a bookworm as a child, I didn’t start reading books again until I was an adult.
I was so excited to start reading books again and jumped into it wholeheartedly, but I soon realized that there were financial implications. Books can add up. Though I believe they’re well worth it, I also felt like they were putting a strain on my monthly budget. To make things worse, not every book is a hit. This meant I was spending money on books I didn’t enjoy, didn’t finish, and (frankly) didn’t want to keep. Since then, I’ve been able to find a few workarounds that allow me to read without spending a ton of money.
In this post, I’ll share the three things I believe any new reader needs to start reading books in 2025 without breaking the bank.
Get a library card, like, TODAY!
In all honesty, you don’t need much to start reading books. You just need a library card.
Yup. You heard me.
The fastest way to become a book-obsessed BookTok girlie is to go back to the beginning, to the place where it all started: the public library.
While it’s easy to dismiss the library, especially as bookstores and big box stores carry more and more books, the library is still an invaluable resource.
Libraries are not just for modern classics and literature. They’re chock-full of new releases in every genre. This means you can explore what you like without breaking the bank.
A library card also enables you to use Libby which is a true game-changer.
Borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free on Libby
Libby is an app that allows you to check out eBooks and audiobooks using your public library card FOR FREE.
Libby has saved me over $5,000 in the last two years. I’m not exaggerating! Here’s how I reached that number:
I’ve borrowed 283 eBooks and audiobooks since 2023. At an average cost of $20, that’s actually $5,660. That is wild!
Some of the pros of using Libby:
- Many popular books are readily available
- New releases are usually available on release day
- You can set up alerts for any new releases you’re anticipating
- You can manage when books are delivered to your app (to an extent)
- eBooks can be read on the Kindle app (i.e., you don’t need a Kindle, just the Kindle app on your phone or tablet)
- The audiobook player is super easy to use
- You can also check out magazines and specialty books like cookbooks
- It is FREE!!
Some of the cons:
- Wait times for viral books or new releases can range from 2-3 weeks to 8+ weeks
- No Whispersync (this is a feature for Kindle/Audible that allows you to seamlessly switch between an eBook and its audiobook version by automatically picking up where you left off)
- You can only place holds on 10 items at a time
- You can only check out 10 items at a time
- You only have 21 days with an item (you can extend your time with an item if no one else is waiting for it)
Frankly, I think the pros outweigh the cons. Think about it: there are zero consequences if you DNF or dislike a book. You haven’t spent any money, and it’s not occupying any physical space.
Plus, I’ve found that hold times move quickly, and I often receive books sooner than expected.
My Libby strategy is to request the eBook and audiobook simultaneously and time it so I receive both together. This way I can continue a book even while commuting, doing chores, or even working out.
To me, Libby is THE #1 essential if you want to start reading books in 2025 because of how accessible and low-cost it is.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with spending money to make reading more convenient, comfortable, or exciting. Let’s get into a few other essentials you might want to invest in.
Sign Up for Kindle Unlimited
If I’m not using Libby, I am using Kindle Unlimited.
Kindle Unlimited is, in my opinion, the third most necessary item for people who want to start reading books in 2025.
It’s a subscription service offered by Amazon. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Kindle Unlimited and their answers!
How much is Kindle Unlimited?
It’s $11.99 a month (less than your average paperback).
What does Kindle Unlimited include?
A LOT! You get access to millions of eBooks, thousands of audiobooks, and even magazine subscriptions.
Genres range from romance to science fiction to biographies.
There are even subgenres which makes it even easier to find the exact books you enjoy. For example, romance is broken down into categories like: alpha male romance, billionaires & millionaires, enemies to lovers, firefighters, later in life, sports romances, etc.
How many titles can I borrow on Kindle Unlimited?
You can borrow up to 20 titles at a time.
Do I have to wait to borrow a book on Kindle Unlimited?
There is no wait time to borrow a title! Unlike the library or Libby, you can borrow a title as soon as it’s published.
Is there a time limit on Kindle Unlimited books?
There is also no limit on how long you can have a title in your library. For example, if you keep a book for a year, there is no consequence other than detracting from your limit of 20 titles.
Do I own Kindle Unlimited books?
No. Kindle Unlimited is a lending service. Once you’re done with a book, you return it to Kindle Unlimited.
However, you can always borrow it again.
If you do borrow it again, all of your highlights and notes will still be there – how cool is that?
What books are available on Kindle Unlimited?
While not every book is available on Kindle Unlimited, so many are – including some of the most viral books. These are the same books you’ll find in a bookstore or Target.
Here’s what I recommend: scroll through this chart of most popular Kindle Unlimited books while you’re at Barnes & Noble or Target. See how many books you can spot!
Are Kindle Unlimited books good?
One misconception I’ve heard is that Kindle Unlimited books are not as well-written, edited, or formatted as traditionally published books. This is because Kindle Unlimited welcomes self-published authors.
In my experience, that’s not true for the majority. In fact, a lot of Kindle Unlimited books are so good that they get picked up by traditional publishers.
Do I need a Kindle to use Kindle Unlimited?
You don’t need a Kindle device, just the Kindle app which is free to download to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Do I need Amazon Prime for Kindle Unlimited?
No, you do not. They are two separate subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this post on how to start reading books in 2025 without spending a ton of money! Reading doesn’t have to expensive to become a life-changing hobby.
If you want to learn about how reading can recharge you, check out this blog post.
If you want more tips about how to turn reading into a habit, check out this blog post.
If you want a list of the 10 best Kindle Unlimited romance books for beginners, check out this blog post.
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