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Children are more likely to read for fun and learn new things when books are readily available. Find out what kinds of books your child likes best with questions like, "What are your favorite types of characters?鈥 or "What types of things do you like to read about?鈥 Then, use these ideas for finding inexpensive books to start your child鈥檚 home library.
- Yard sales听are terrific places to find very inexpensive children鈥檚 books鈥攕ometimes for as little as 25 cents a book.听听
- Thrift stores听offer a wide variety of children鈥檚 books, often organized in a special section.
- Relatives and friends听often ask what to get a child as a birthday or holiday gift. Suggest a book! They might also be eager to pass on books their children have outgrown.
- Libraries, of course, are places to borrow books, but many libraries also sell used books鈥攁ll the time or at special events. On your next visit, ask a librarian if the library has used children鈥檚 books for sale or if it will in the future.
- Used book stores听are found in many communities. They usually have a section for children鈥檚 books.
- Online sellers听offer used or new copies of children鈥檚 books. Go to a site such as Amazon.com, search for the book, then find sellers who typically charge much less than the cover price. Craigslist is also a good place to check for people selling used children鈥檚 goods, including books. Some communities have local Listservs through which families can sell each other outgrown books and other items.
- Elementary schools听often have book fairs to sell used or new books. Call your local school and ask if a sale is planned.
Source: Adapted from the Message in a Backpack for K.A. Roskos, J.F. Christie, and D.J. Richgels, 2009, "Reading, Writing, and Talking: Strategies for Preschool Classrooms,"听Teaching Young Children听2 (3): 11鈥14.
Audience: Family