Things I Do as a Financially Responsible Book Lover in My 20s

Being a book lover in Nigeria is honestly an extreme sport. The love is there, the desire is there, the TBR keeps growing and growing, but the prices? The way books are currently priced, hmmm, God have mercy upon us.

I had to sit with myself and admit that I cannot be “if I perish, I perish” over my life anymore. Because being book rich is cute… until BILLS come. And one thing about Reality? He will humble you QUICK. 😭📚

So, here’s a list of things I now do to keep myself a financially responsible book lover.

1. I join book communities like ALB Reading Community.

Where, sometimes, authors literally give us discounts or free copies.

Community is literally a survival strategy.

2. I have a book budget.

Once I hit my limit, I log out. No temptation. No “but it’s only ₦15,000”.

Self-discipline is self-love.

3. I don’t buy for hype.

Where, sometimes, authors literally give us discounts or free copies.

Community is literally a survival strategy.

4. I buy in batches to reduce delivery fees.

Because delivery in this country? Wickedness.

We consolidate orders like responsible adults.

5. I avoid bookstores unless I’m mentally, spiritually & financially stable.

I know myself. If I enter a bookstore like Ouida, I’m finished.

Temptation will not finish me if I stay in my house.

6. I use Libby

I will not lie. International friends and cousins, you are loved and appreciated.

Global north privileges, local babe enjoyment.

**7. I email publishers/authors when I really want a foreign book.**

But I come correct, I offer a promo strategy. Everybody wins.

Closed mouths don’t get fed… or read.

8. I remind myself that I have books at home.

No, seriously. I have books at home.

Unread. Staring at me. Judging me.

Because let’s be honest…

I gotta say it, these Nigerian publishers are not smiling with prices these days. Their books are fighting price-wise with imported editions. And we’re all living inside the same economy that’s stressing us.

So I’ve had to adapt, not because I don’t love books, but because I love books and I love being financially sane. I find balance. No be me go suffer. ✨

Anyway, that’s how I’m keeping my love for books alive without letting the economy finish me. What about you? How are you balancing book love and budget?

Let’s chat in the comments, because we’re all doing our best. 😭💛