The Charms of Used Books

Books. Something we’ve grown up with since we were kids. It’s where we learned our first words from. It’s where we let our imagination run wild as we pictured the description of its contents. Old or not, we’ve spent more than half our life with them. Although new books seem more fun to get your hands on, considering their smell and their shiny wrapper, used books have come together in vast flocks of variegated feathers and have a charm that the domesticated volumes of the libraries lack. We often look at them like they are homeless or too fragile. However, that isn’t always the case. For those of you wondering if it’s okay to buy used books, it most certainly is. Here’s why you should buy used books: 

1. Cost-effective

Just like any other second-hand accessories or items, second-hand books aren’t that different either in terms of looking for an effective way to save money. Rather than purchasing books that are overpriced, just because of the fact that they are new and raw, consider borrowing them or renting them from someone else. After all, new or not, at the end of the day, they are the books that have the same literature, content, and words. Shop smarter. Choose wisely. 

2. Supports small business

For those of you who are looking for ideas to start up your own small business, used books buy you a second-hand ticket for this opportunity! It doesn’t necessarily have to be just textbooks or study materials. Used books can also mean second-hand novels, cookbooks, children’s books, self-help books, and best sellers as well. Not only are you just buying and selling books at a reasonable price, but it gives you a chance to bring these second-hand books to life. What are you waiting for? Set up your own library! Start your small business. Revive, enliven and rejuvenate those books!

3. Provides fruitful benefits

Sometimes, used books can possibly contain bookmarks, highlights, or notes of the previous user. This may save you the burden of having to go through each of the lines to look for something important. If you’re lucky, these can even come in handy during quizzes, assignments, or even exams. Although, not all used books may have this advantage, make sure to use this opportunity if it ever strikes. You never know how thankful you might be afterward. 

4. Recycling without actually recycling

Rather than the use-and-throw policy where we just dump books when they are no longer in need, why not give them to someone else in need? There’s always a 3 in a 5 chance that there’s someone else out there who might be looking for the exact same copies. Although reducing, reusing, and recycling is good for the environment, lending it to someone else in need is much better. If you don’t want it, don’t recycle it. Pass it on. 

5. Saves the environment

Opting for used books is a smart choice to avoid colossal environmental impact. It results in less than one-fifth of the carbon emissions considering that the manufacturing process of a new book takes nearly 7.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide and consumes two kilowatt-hours of fossil fuels, which doesn’t look like a pretty contribution when it comes to taking care of our planet. By making use of these kinds of books, we can ensure that they don’t end up in landfills and that a carbon-neutral future is maintained. 

Is it safe to buy books during covid?

Although the news and the latest research have been warning all of us to stay away from people as much as we can and to sanitize frequently, know that you’ll be just fine. Once received, keep the contents, but dispose of the box/ envelope right away. Wash your hands. It isn’t necessary to wipe the books down, but if you’re that concerned, you can use an alcohol wipe. It’s pretty unlikely that you can get sick from a book. However if you still have your eyebrows raised, you can make a smart choice by shopping online. Don’t forget to stop by on BookLal, as it is the easiest and most convenient app to look for books. It’s got everything you need and looking for.

Pros of buying used books:

1. Saves trees:

on average, a single tree can produce 8,333 pages of paper. This means you’re consuming 3% of a tree for a 250-page notebook. Obviously, the numbers don’t look good. However, thanks to used books, lesser trees are chopped.

2. Conserves natural resources:

Used books reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Since it helps preserve trees, it’s also the best choice one can make towards contributing to saving the environment.

3. Sustainable method of consumption:

Making use of second-hand books never caused anyone harm. It’s seen from a more beneficial point of view rather than a loss, just because it’s “used” already. It’s a healthy practice and a sustainable method of consumption. 

4. Ideal for students:

 Used books are a good decision for students in college/school who are willing to save up as much as they can. 

Cons of used books:

1. Prone to damage:

 If the books are too old and rusty, then the pages are more fragile and the risks of being torn are high as well. While picking, pick carefully. The older the book is, the greater the damage. 

2. Bulky:

Some books may be really heavy. Carrying them around can be tough, considering their weight isn’t exactly portable wherever you go. 

3. Outdated:

Although many used books have the same content, some of them may have outdated information. This becomes a problem when in need of updated information. 

Overview of better world books

Looking for a more legitimate way to purchase second-hand books? Better world books have about 2063 reviews, all of which say that their customers are extremely happy with the purchases that they’ve made. It has been successful in selling over 100 million books, thus making it hold third place amongst used book sites. This is also another site to look up to if you’re concerned about physically purchasing books during the lockdown. Don’t miss out on the chance to fill your bookshelves with some of the greatest reads for 2022! Build up your book inventory! Go grab yours now!

In conclusion, used books aren’t great just because of the many advantages that it offers. Although we are thankful to it for the sweet benefits, used books themselves have their own history, just waiting to be unraveled. They have their own stories to tell, waiting to be heard. Used books aren’t “used” just because someone else had the best of them. There is no such thing as a “used” book the same way there is no such thing as a book if it has never been used.

Used books are the magic that breathe life into us and the treasure that we cherish forever.