Not all money-saving tips are new. Libraries go back to the 7th century B.C., when Ashurbanipal, an Assyrian king, started gathering clay tablets in Nineveh.

Flash forward a few millennia to Jeff Sexton, who has a serious thriller habit — he's read about 30 books so far this year.

Jeff Sexton (ENLARGE)

Jeff Sexton of Albany reads a thriller a week on average. His library card is well worn.

"I actually have a Books a Million discount card," said Sexton, a network specialist for the Dougherty County District Attorney's office in Albany. "But even with the discount, new hardbacks are still about $20. So when I really want to read something new right now, I go to the library to check it out."

On his last trip, Sexton checked out "Nothing to Lose" by Lee Childs, "Blasphemy" by Douglas Preston and "Seven Deadly Wonders" by Matthew Reilly.

"It also gives me a chance to try out new authors before I start buying their works," Sexton added. "I went three times in the past month.

"The library was an extremely economical choice."

— Phil Kloer

31 ways to save

• Want to save on food? Ask your neighbors 
• Frequent diner saves with coupons by e-mail 
• Shopper works grocery sales 
• Teenage flash for less 
• Fun, cheap getaway as close as a state park or two 
• Borrowing from library cuts costs for avid readers 
• Gamble pays off in lower expenses 
• Exerciser not waiting for DVD to come out 
• Coupons bite into cost of dining out 
• Find it for a fraction of the original price 
• Purge baby items at consignment shops 
• Brazil beckons for savings-smart traveler 
• Old sol  and 'common sense'  cut electric bill 
• Cost-cutting is par for the course 
• Rack up with sales, off-season garments 
• Shopper charts the best prices 
• Public swimming pool refreshing, affordable 
• More-efficient ride picks up cash flow 
• Clean Air deal sweetens switch to a car pool plan 
• Personal trainer trims costs and fees 
• Mom shops early for school needs 
• 'Kids eat free' nights stretch family's budget 
• RVers cut back, consolidate trips 
• Teacher Web sites offer ideas, freebies 
• Mom 'not too proud' to snag a bargain 
• Cheese plates, movies fit budget 
• Take a walk to library; watch a movie for free 
• Volunteer shows way to free theater seats 
• Catch Braves in action for mere peanuts 
• Portrait of thriftiness in designer-wear garb 
• Businessman finds cheap gas via phone 
• Shopper takes bite out of grocery bill 
• Have your own way to save? Please share it with us
• Your Money: Strategies for stretching your dollars
• Saving Dough: Resources for stretching your food dollar