Whether you’re a teacher collecting books for your classroom, a reseller, or a bibliophile looking to build your personal library, buying secondhand books is a great way to save. Thrift stores have shelves and shelves of books ready to be read. Search the titles thoroughly, and keep an open mind. You might be surprised at what you can find!

Here are some of the best types of books to look for:

1. Books from your to-read list. Thrift stores are a great place to purchase books you haven’t read yet. They’re inexpensive, and if you don’t like them, you can always redonate them.

2. Old favorites and classics. You can pick up books that you have long loved to lend out to friends or give as gifts.

3. Textbooks and self-development books. Reading is one of the best ways to learn, and you can find books on how to do almost anything. (If you’re looking for other ways to learn new things, check out this post for ideas on how to continue learning when you’re not in school.)

4. Antique books and collectible books. More valuable books are kept in the collectibles section. Check the glass cases to find priceless originals or beautifully bound vintage novels. (You never know, you might even become an antique book collector like Jeff!)

5. Children’s books. Help your kids get excited about reading by letting them come along and pick out their own books. If you’re a teacher, buying books at thrift stores is a great way to build your classroom library without spending a lot of money. (For other creative ideas on how to add to your classroom, take a look at what this teacher did.)

6. Comic books and magazines. Collect an entire comic book series, or use old magazines to make collages.

7. Unique books. Search for community cookbooks, signed copies of books, or novels with notes in the margins from previous owners.

8. Books to repurpose into other things. Make a flower out of old book pages to hang on the wall, or use the spines of old books to make bookmarks.

Visit your local Deseret Industries to check out the books department or to donate books you no longer need. Your purchases and donations help associates working at Deseret Industries receive training, go back to school, and so much more.