12 Better Places to Buy Books Online Instead of Amazon
While Amazon is one of the first places people think of when it comes to ordering books online, it can be much more meaningful to support a small or independent bookstore.
For conscious consumers, there are plenty of online bookstores that prioritize social responsibility, sustainability, and giving back.
Let’s explore alternatives to Amazon when shopping for books.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decided to purchase. Our commission is at no additional expense to you!
The Ultimate List of Socially Responsible Online Book Shops
Check your library first
Before I share the top places to shop for books online, let’s talk about libraries. Libraries can be a great place to save money by borrowing books.
Plus, when you support your local library, you are also supporting your town.
From programs that support community education and engagement, to community events, the library is the hub for all of that.
Included in your library card membership is the app Libby. Think of it as an online extension of your library. If you can’t find the book you are looking for in your local library, you can check it out as an ebook in the Libby app.
There are certain books that we know we want to own instead of borrowing. Whether it’s the newest release from your favorite author, or an older book you used to love that you now want to own, here are some places you can find them online.
Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org was founded in January 2020 and is now certified as a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified. They have a mission to support local bookstores. They do this by letting readers choose the bookstore that they want their purchase to support.
A portion of their purchase goes directly to the chosen bookstore. Customers that don’t choose a bookstore have a portion of their purchase go to a profit sharing pool that supports all of the bookstores partnered with bookshop.org.
I’ve purchased multiple books from Bookshop.org and always love supporting this online shop.
Thriftbooks
Thriftbooks is the world's largest online independent used book seller. They sell new and used books in varying conditions. This ensures that you’ll get a great price on the books that you want.
Thriftbooks has saved one billion books from ending up in landfills by taking extra books from libraries and giving them a second life. You can find everything from new releases, best sellers, and collectable books on their site.
Elliott Bay
Elliott Bay is a local bookstore in Seattle and is my go-to! Elliott Bay has been Independently owned since 1973 and is a woman and queer owned bookstore.
This is a fun place to visit if you’re in Seattle, but if you’re not local check out their wide selection of online books.
World of Books
World of Books was created in 2002 and became certified B Corp. in 2019. They give used books a new home by buying back books from customers, as well as buying bulk excess stock from charities.
Then they sell these books at a great price that customers will love. In 2023 alone World of Books rehomed over 28 million books! You can purchase books from all genres on the site, and even some rare books.
Book Outlet
Book Outlet is the place to go if you are looking for a deal on great books. Every book on their site is at least 50% off of the list price, and they also have great sales on their site.
They receive books from special buys, excess inventory from publishers, and store returns, which allows them to give their customers such great pricing. You’ll be able to find a great variety of books through Book Outlet at prices you can’t beat.
They also give back through donating to various organizations.
Better World Books
Better World Books is an online bookseller that features new and used books. With every book purchase from Better World Books they donate books to communities that need them.
They have donated over 38 million books and have reused/recycled over 475 million books. They are truly making the world better through reading. Plus, they are a certified B Corp.
PangoBooks
PangoBooks is a platform where users can both buy books and sell their books. It’s a company created by book lovers for book lovers. Each user becomes a bookseller when they list books in their online bookstore.
Through the Pango website or app you’ll be able to find great deals on books that you want, while supporting a more sustainable book economy.
Charlie’s
Charlie’s is a queer owned bookshop in Seattle that features a wide selection of queer books and gifts. Charlie’s believes that by promoting diverse and intersectional voices, we can contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.
I love visiting their shop! They have fun stickers and gifts too! Be sure to check out their online bookshop!
Powells
Powells is an independent bookstore that opened in 1971. There are multiple locations in Oregon and they have a wide selection of books online.
Strand Books
Strand is a bookstore in New York City that was founded in 1927. This bookstore has a rich history and carries over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books.
If you’re not local, they have a great selection of books to shop online.
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is an option if you enjoy audiobooks over physical reading. It’s a great Audible alternative. Much like Bookshop.org, you can choose a bookstore to show your support to when you get a Libro.fm subscription.
The company was founded in 2014 and today it partners with over three thousand booksellers around the world. You can find books from any genre on Libro.fm and you can listen by downloading their app.
Biblio
Biblio is a marketplace of independent booksellers. They work with over 7500 independent used bookstores around the world to bring books to those that are searching for them.
Biblio helps give the gift of literacy through their non-profit BiblioWorks. In addition to their non-profit work, Biblio also is passionate about the environment. They are the first bookselling marketplace to offer carbon-offsetting on all of their orders.
By now you know that there are a plethora of options to shop for books and find an alternative to Amazon.
Pin this list for later!
Whether you want a new release, or a new-to-you book, you’ve got options.
Where will you be shopping and what books are you hoping to get? Let me know in the comments.
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MEET THE AUTHORS
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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