5 Ways to Build Your Child’s Library on a Budget

Building your child’s library is just one way to instill a love of books in your family. While purchasing children’s books can add up quickly, South Carolina has many opportunities to add to your home library on a budget.

1. Dolly’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that sends free, high-quality books to children from birth to five years old each month. The best part? There is no income requirement to qualify! Fill out this form to see if the program is available in your area.

2. Little Free Library

A Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone can take a book or share a book. With more than 150,000 Little Free Libraries across 120 countries, you may have seen Little Free Libraries pop up in your community! It’s a great way to refresh your child’s home library while building connections and increasing book access for others. Use the Little Free Library World Map to find one in your area!

3. Library book sales

Did you know that most public libraries hold annual book sales? Library book sales provide communities the opportunity to purchase gently used books for low prices. Proceeds typically go to supporting library services and programs. Support your library and snag great books by checking your local library’s website for upcoming sales.

4. Discounted online bookstores

Discounted bookstores online are also a great resource when shopping on a budget. You can find used and new books at affordable prices for both you and your child! Start with Better World Books. Every purchase with Better World Books helps provide books to families in need, provide funding for nonprofits and libraries, and support environmental sustainability.

5. Your public library

There’s no better way to keep a rotating library for your child than by taking advantage of your local library! Create a routine with your child by visiting the public library in your community regularly and finding new reads. It’s also a great way to meet other parents, seek the expertise of children’s librarians, and attend library programs—all for free.

Creating a home library for your child does not have to be big or pricy to have an impact. More importantly, you are fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning from an early age. There are so many ways to accomplish this on a budget and make reading an important part of your time with your family.

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