Though a book can easily be borrowed from University libraries, buying a book brings a reader more freedom. After a book purchase, there’s no guilt about folding page corners or writing in margins. Borrowing from the library is temporary, but purchasing a book is permanent. Some chain book stores seem to be apathetic to the college student’s ever-slim budget, but fortunately other Tuscaloosa stores cater to the bibliophile on a budget.

The Book Rack

Located beside The Off-Campus College Bookstore, The Book Rack is teeming with literary adventures. The front of the store is somewhat organized, but The Book Rack stops just short of the library out of Harry Potter; books are piled up on tables and spill out of boxes. The eye doesn’t know what to take in first, so it wouldn’t be surprising to find a book flying around. Charging half of the original book’s price, The Book Rack offers a variety of genres for a bargain. The Book Rack is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Comic Strip

The Comic Strip caters to comic book fans, but the Hargrove Road location supplies readers with graphic novels as well. The store has weekly sales that are perfect for a student on a budget. The staff is helpful and friendly, welcoming all who step through the doors and staying connected to customers through the Facebook page. The Comic Strip also hosts an “Injustice: Gods Among Us” video game tournament where winners receive a gift card to the store. The Comic Strip is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

America’s Thrift Store

Though it’s the last place one would think to go for a book, America’s Thrift Store supplies a varied range of books. Along with popular fiction, America’s Thrift Store also gives way to workout books, cookbooks and more. Hardbacks are generally priced at $1.50 and other books are never more than $5. America’s Thrift Store, located on Skyland Boulevard, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.