FREE BOOKS
I came across an article on my Facebook feed about the best sites to find free textbooks earlier this summer. Halfway through college already, I was skeptical at best. However, my twin brother heads back to school in a couple of weeks, while I start my adventure abroad in a month in a half, so we tested these websites on his textbooks.
1. Library Genesis http://gen.lib.rus.ec
My brother found 3 of his 7 textbooks for free as PDF and mobi downloads on this site, ones that would have cost over $100 each. I'd highly recommend checking out this site first.
2. Bookfi.org http://en.bookfi.org
Library Genesis often rerouted us to this site, so I'd highly suggest looking on this site as well.
3. Project Gutenberg http://gutenberg.org
I knew about this site previously. I used to use it to download ebooks for my kindle when I had one. I highly recommend this site for free books, particularly ones that are more chapter books than textbooks. For example, books for English or Literature classes would be easy to find.
4. Ebookee http://ebookee.org
I didn't get to explore this website very much, but it seems safe and reliable according to internet reviews. Be cautious though, as it is a file sharing site.
5. Many Books http://www.manybooks.net
I didn't get to explore this website very much, but it seems safe and reliable according to internet reviews.
6. Online Library of Liberty
http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=380
This site is very focused on books pertaining to individual liberty and free markets. Would only recommend for books in that subject area.
7. One Big Torrent http://onebigtorrent.org
This site is deemed safe by many internet reviews. It's a file sharing site as well, so be cautious. I didn't find any of my brother's textbooks on there, but I found a lot of links for documentaries, television episodes, and other media with educational content.
CHEAP RENTALS/PURCHASES/EBOOKS
The following sites are all ones that I have personally used to rent, purchase, or download my textbooks from. I found them mostly through searches for textbook rental sites, and these sites are my favorite, as they are cheap, user friendly, and reliable.
1. Abebooks
My favorite website for textbook purchases. I can often find books that cost way less to buy than to rent with small shipping costs. They ship your books quickly and always keep in contact to make sure your books are delivered to you. They have a wide selection of textbooks and almost always have the books I need in stock. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
2. Barnes and Noble
I'm sure you've heard of this site. It's a popular, trustworthy chain that also does textbooks. They have rental, purchase, and ebook options, and often times, I find my textbooks pretty cheap on this site. I've never had any problems with Barnes and Noble. They also have a marketplace option, with other sellers you can buy from. I really enjoy that because I sometimes find cheaper options than buying or renting directly form B&N. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
3. Better World Books
I haven't ordered any textbooks from them yet, but their website is user friendly and makes me feel happy every time I search on it. They have a huge mission to impact the world for a better, and stick to it in all of their transactions. They donate books, raise funds for libraries and literacy programs, and reuse and recycle books as well. They seem like an amazing company and I hope to do business with them soon. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
4. Biblio
This is also a great site that I haven't ordered anything from yet. However, their site is very user friendly and easy to navigate.
5. Bookbyte
I really like bookbyte for its marketplace option. I've found great deals from many of the sellers they do business with. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
6. Bookrenter
Bookrenter is my absolute favorite online site for book rentals. Free shipping both ways, cheap rental terms, and their site is so easy to use! I always get my textbooks from Bookrenter first and have done business with them many times. They are my go-to rental site. They have a wide selection of textbooks and almost always have the books I need in stock.
7. Campus Book Rentals
Probably my second favorite rental site. The prices are a bit higher than Bookrenter usually, but they also have free shipping both ways and don't care if you highlight or make marks in the books. They are also super flexible with rentals -- they let you choose a rental term or you can even choose your own return date!
8. Chegg
Chegg is a pretty well known company in the college world. It offers rental, purchasing, and ebook options. Chegg is bigger than just a textbook provider though. You can get study guides and tutoring services as well. I've rented from them as well as rented an ebook from them and I have nothing bad to say about my experience. It was great! Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
9. Coursemart
Coursemart is an easy ebook option. You can rent or buy an ebook. They don't offer hard copies, but their ebooks are easy to use. Their selection of textbooks is kind of limited though, so don't assume that coursemart will have the book you need.
10. ECampus
ECampus is a great, always reliable option for rentals and purchases. Their site is also very user friendly. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
11. First Class Books
Pretty easy site to use, but the selection is not as varied as some of the other sites. I haven't ordered from them yet, but I'm sure they are great. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
12. Knetbooks
I really like Knetbooks! It's so easy to use, free shipping both ways, and so reliable. The website is cute and user friendly. They are a rental site, so no purchases. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
13. Powells'
Powells' is like a lesser known version of Barnes and Noble with a more limited stock. They don't always have my textbooks, so it's not a go-to site for me, but definitely one to keep in mind. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
14. Skyo
Skyo is great and user friendly. They offer rental, purchase, and ebook options. Also, free shipping! They are so easy to use and fast at shipping books out.
15. Textbook Rush
Textbook rush is easy to use, fast, affordable, and offer both purchase and rental options. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option. You can also sell technology, games, and more.
16. Textbooks.com
Textbooks.com offers all of the options: purchasing, renting, ebooks, and textbook buyback. The site is easy to use and I've never had any problems with my orders.
17. Valore Books
Valore is probably my third most used website, only after Abebooks and Bookrenter. They have purchase and rental options, as well as marketplace sellers. They are reliable and cheap, and their site also offers opportunities to sell different types of technology. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.
Happy Textbook shopping!
