Five Places to Score Free and Inexpensive Children’s Books

By Gerri Kimble

Building a home library can be expensive, so it’s nice to have several ways your children can read all the books they want.

1. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – I learned about this organization from a pregnancy message board, and quickly signed up when my daughter was born. This is a cool way your child can get a FREE book in the mail every month until he or she turns five (regardless of income and no strings attached).  The Imagination Library works with organizations in your community to provide these books, and their purpose is to foster a love of reading early.  The books have been great:  classics like The Little Engine That Could, fun books like Roar of a Snore, and award-winning books like A House is a House for Me.  It’s always fun to open the mailbox to find that free book!
2. Sites like Zulily and Totsy – If you haven’t signed up for these sites geared toward amazingly low prices on kid’s apparel, then DO IT.  Not only do they sell clothes and shoes that are super kind to the wallet, but you can usually find a deal on books and toys, too.
3. Book Store Memberships – Purchasing a membership to a large bookstore chain could very well be worth it.  Not only do you get a percentage off purchases, but it applies when books are on sale, too.  And there are a few times a year when books are super-cheap to make room for others (especially online), and it’s worth the $20 or so to become a member.  The icing on the cake? The one I have offers members free express shipping on all orders (no minimum purchase), so that makes it even more worth it.
4. Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, and Hand-Me-Downs – I’ve found some awesome books at my local thrift store.  They were surprisingly clean and in good condition, and the selection was pretty good.  While yard and garage sales are hit or miss, finding that one house that has children that who have outgrown all their books is like finding treasure – lots of books for a little of nothing.   Then if you have friends or family whose children are older than yours, let them know that you’re there when they’re ready to get rid of those books.  They’ll be glad to pass them down to your children!
5. Public Library – This one is a no-brainer, but people sometimes forget how beautiful a place the library can be for the child’s imagination (and your wallet).  The selection is endless, and the books are all yours.  Sure you have to scan a card and can only take them home for a few weeks at a time, but they’re always there for you when you want them.  That in itself makes the public library our #1 source for books!

Books are awesome, but free and inexpensive books are even better!