If you're like me, you can't ever have too many books. You're always on the prowl for a new book, even when you're running out of bookshelf space. However, this is a hobby that can become quite expensive. Here are some tips on finding bargain books that are truly bargains, not just poorly written books that no one else wants. Some people shy away from inexpensive books, fearing it's just a waste of money. On the contrary, bargain books can be a bonanza of wonderful reading, at a fraction of the cost of regularly-priced books.

The true book addict typically accumulates exhaustive libraries on their pet subjects. Let's say you love to cook. There are thousands of cooking titles relegated to the bargain book bin which are culinary treasures you may have trouble finding on your neighborhood bookstore shelves.

For example, do you know there are books on medieval cooking? Any gourmet cook worth their salt must have one or two of these in their collections. You'll find out all about medieval table settings, history and lore, in addition to some quite unusual recipes popular at the time. Food preservation was a problem then, so the seasonings used were devised to help preserve foods as well as please the palate. This book is on the bargain book shelf only because there aren't so many readers who are as well educated and curious as you. Snap it up because it may soon be out of print.

You'll find that many bargain books are those covering obscure topics which only the true bibliophile craves. Online, the large book dealers have thoughtfully categorized these bargains for you to browse any topic to your heart's content. The book collector can discern enough from the information provided to know whether the book is a treasure or a flop.

Other terrific sources of bargain books is the local library sale. Most libraries usually have a book sale once a year to make room for new collections. Often, these older books are sold by the pound! Here, you can freely browse the entire book and find true bargains. Make sure you arrive early for the best selection.

Brick and mortar bookstores always have a selection of bargain books, displayed on tables in separate sections. You can find some great deals here. Sometimes, the cover of the book has been marred by a printing house error. Perhaps that book cover on French baking shows a plate of croissants that appear burned to a crisp due to a color error. The average book buyer will instantly pass, thinking the recipes within can't be any good. You, knowing the ropes of bargain book buying, can pick up that tome of baking heaven for $5, rather than paying the list price of $35.

You book lovers, rejoice! Bargain books can fill out the most esoteric library in no time.