Your Local library
Most library memberships these days are free, giving you easy access to unlimited books for the entire family. Local libraries only require proof of address to get a free membership that is included in your taxes. These days, libraries are equipped with amazing children’s areas that have unlimited books to keep your young ones entertained for free. The best part about the book collection at local libraries is that they have a wide selection of books for all reading levels. Starting from board books for newborn babies, all the way up to chapter books for early teens. Once your children have grown out of kids books, libraries also carry a wide selection of teen and adult material to keep your family entertained for free forever. The best part about libraries is that they now offer more than just books! Many libraries now provide free children’s programming like story-time for the children, giving parents a break from all the reading!
If you’re looking for more of a permanent solution to free or low-cost books, some libraries even sell their old books for as low as $0.25 and sometimes even free, making this a great option for free entertainment that your children can rely on anytime.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
A quick and easy way to get free children’s books is to post a wanted ad on websites such as Craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes, parents are overwhelmed with children’s books at their baby showers or simply just bought too many books that their children are growing out of. With the new trend of Marie Kondos de-cluttering method, many people are looking to just get rid of their book collections. Take this chance to snatch up some free books that will keep your kids entertained for a while.
If you’re too shy to post a wanted ad on these websites, simply keep an eye out for sellers posting their books for free – it happens more often that you might think!
Free Amazon Kindle Books for Kids
Publishing on Amazon with Kindle books has now become easier than ever. A lot of new authors post books available for free download on Amazon Kindle books just to get their name out there. All you have to do is search “children’s books, Kindle edition” and change your sorting options to short items from low to high in price. This method will show you all of the free books that are available through Amazon’s Kindle app, providing free entertainment for your kids and sometimes even a bedtime story. The best part about Amazon Kindle Books is that there is no clutter involved. Kindle books can be downloaded on just about any smartphone or iPad with the Kindle app – giving you a mess free way to collection books at no cost.
The Imagination Library – by Dolly Parton
In 1995, the country music Superstar – Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library. The singer was so dedicated to helping children learn how to read and develop their imaginations that she created a company that mails out free book to children in her home country of Tennessee, USA. Every month, The Imagination Library mails out an age appropriate book for registered families free of charge. The best part about this program is that the books aren’t used and ratty – they’re new and high quality books which is what every parent wants for their children. So if you live in the United States of America, be sure to sign up for Imagination Library for access to free books from this great program created by Dolly Parton.
Garage Sales
You might think that garage sales imply the exchange of goods for money, but when it comes to books, sometimes that isn’t the case. At many garage sales, used books (especially children’s ones) are put out with a “free” sign! Sellers usually don’t expect much money from old books, so rather than putting them up for sale at face value, they’re up for grabs! So next time you drive by a garage sale in your neighborhood, be sure to stop by and scope out any free books you might see. This is a great way to find children’s books in great condition that will keep you little ones entertained for a while.
