I don't know if it's usual for many, but my library offers new bestseller for a little fee. this fee allows them to by the next bestseller and so on. If you don't want to spend this money you only have to wait a few months and you can read them for free.
My reading habits haven't changed since the economical crunch. I've used the library before and i trade books with my family and friends.
I hope the publishers won't have to stop many series, because in a time like this people need good stories to forget their problems for a while.