Let's talk about one of my favorite ways to save money. Going to the library. Every month I plan to break down how much I save as a card carrying member of my public library.

I'm specifically going to be talking about my book savings. (Especially since that's what I keep track of in my tracker.)

I am a spender because it gives me a hit of dopamine, sue me. But I often have buyers remorse in the end. I didn't like what I bought and by the time I figure it out the return period is over and I'm left with a closet full of stuff I thought I wanted.

This is where the library comes in. While I utilize many aspects of my library's physical media collection and services, it means I can try before I buy. I'm being more intentional with the physical media I purchase this year to curb my spending habits. (I talk about the things I buy over on Youtube btw)

I hit the library four times this month, checking out 12 books in total. So far I've finished one of those, but that's okay! If they end up in the library graveyard it's okay with me, because in the end I have saved myself a lot of stress and more importantly money.

If I’d bought these instead of borrowing them (based on current paperback or similar retail prices), here’s what my cart would have looked like:

  • Apartment Women — Gu Byeong-mo: $19.07
  • A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon — Sarah Hawley: $17.99
  • A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire — Sarah Hawley: $17.99
  • A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch — Sarah Hawley: $17.99
  • Finding Mr. July — Anna E. Collins: $15.99
  • Roll For Romance — Lenora Woods: $19.99
  • My Sister, the Serial Killer — Oyinkan Braithwaite: $14.99
  • The Frame-Up — Gwenda Bond: $17.99
  • Start Here: Draw — Moira Clinch: $29.99
  • The Game Master’s Guide to Fantasy Map Making — Cody James King: $34.99
  • It’s Different This Time — Joss Richardson: $16.99
  • Holiday Ever After — Hannah Grace: $22.07

Total I didn’t spend this month: $245.96

Which is honestly wild considering I still got the fun of picking them out, hauling them home, and deciding with zero pressure which ones deserve a permanent spot on my shelves.

When I look at that total—$245.96 saved in just one month—it’s a pretty solid reminder that the library isn’t just a cozy place, it’s a practical one. I got the thrill of picking out books, the freedom to DNF without guilt, and the space to figure out what I actually enjoy before committing my money to it.

Not every book needs to earn a permanent spot on my shelves, and realizing that has taken a lot of pressure (and impulse spending) off my plate. The library lets me explore my reading tastes without the regret spiral that usually follows a bad purchase.

This is exactly why I’ll be doing this every month—tracking what I borrow, what I read, and how much I save along the way. If nothing else, it keeps me mindful of my habits and grateful for a resource that makes loving books a little more affordable. And honestly? For a dopamine-seeking reader like me, that’s a win.