Open books arranged into an appealing top-down display.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Second-Hand Books

08/03/2023
Here at SAFE, we love nothing more than opening an old crispy book and being transported to a different world. Unfortunately, bookstores and second-hand shops have been displaced by the internet – taking away the beauty of reading. Many people are choosing to use e-readers or order books online, instead of finding pleasure in sifting through dusty shelves and finding an old classic.
The team at SAFE love collecting books, but is buying brand new copies necessary? Second-hand books will always have a place in our hearts. So, here’s a few reasons why we always opt for the old, used copies:
  1. Affordable
If you’re tired of spending all your money on shiny new books, then second-hand bookshops are the place for you. Not only do they have that old-world charm, but they will also save you from walking around with an empty wallet. You’ll be able to find twice the number of books for the same price as a new one – bargain!
  1. That old book smell
There’s nothing quite like the smell of an old book. That wonderfully distinct smell that with only one step into a second-hand bookshop, you’ll know exactly where you are – even if blindfolded.
  1. Finding editions that aren’t printed anymore
The beauty of second-hand shops is the possibility of finding old versions of your favourite books, or first-edition copies. These editions are much more valuable and special that newer versions – a must-have for any book lover! You’ll never know what you’ll find hidden in a dusty pile of books at a second-hand shop.
  1. Connection to previous owners
It’s true what they say: whenever someone owns a book, they leave a piece of themselves behind in it. From a crinkle in a page to an underlined quote, there’ll always be little things about a used book that will connect you back to the previous owner.
  1. You can pass it along to someone else
Falling in love with a book and passing it along for someone else to love gives the object a life of its own. We can’t think of a more wonderful reason than that!
You can find second-hand novels at our SAFE Ethical Boutique
We have a range of second-hand books available at our Ethical Boutique on Whitchurch Road, Cardiff – so why not come down and have a browse? You can check out a few of our items over on our Instagram page.

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