How to build a child's library on a budget

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We love books around here! I can’t think of anything better to have than a collection of children’s books! I know many families especially new moms and dads want to start a library for their kids but they know it can get expensive! I do believe books are one of the few things that are truly worth an investment but there are ways to save money on them for sure!

How to Build A Child’s Library Cheap

Library

We already know that if a budget is tight you can borrow books at the library for free! However, some don’t realize that their local libraries also have sales and really good ones at that!

They sell books super cheap and they often have huge selections! The downside of going to one is they are often not organized and it can be time-consuming to shuffle through the books but it can pay off and if you enjoy books it probably won’t feel like much work!

Just some advice: if you go to one be sure to take some strong bags or even a rolling cart because you may buy a lot with great prices and you will need a way to push them around with you and then get them home! You can find out about them in your library’s newsletter or bulletin board.

Yard Sales

You can find great deals at garage/yard sales and sometimes even big streets put on sales. A lot of people like to get rid of books (what is wrong with them?) This is a great way to stock up on kid’s classics and readers! When I was pregnant with my first child I started looking for books to buy for my baby, it is never too early!

Paperback Swap

I used paperback swap for years and need to get back to it! You can swap books with people all across the nation. You have to put up so many to get started that you want to get rid of and you can get on the waiting list for books you want but are not available. I received some books that were worth 25.00 and more and all you pay is shipping for the books you put up! You can see how it all works here!

Used Book Stores

I love used bookstores! Half Price Books is one of my favorites ( I had a date night with my husband there once, I know I’m such a nerd) and sometimes when you are traveling you can find small mom-and-pop stores that I could just get lost in forever!

They sell hand-me-down books at cheaper prices and they even have special sales. This is a great way to earn some money or credit on your books as well!

Consignment Shops

Even consignment shops that sell clothes such as Goodwill often have books. Sometimes you can find them with the toys and sometimes they have special book spots! You can get them at record-low prices!!

Amazon Prime

When you are a member of Amazon Prime like I am you can get free shipping on any book anytime! Amazon has great prices, they are truly one of my favorite virtual stores ever! You can try Amazon Prime’s 30-Day Free Trial and see if you like it, we love it! Free shipping, access to tons of TV shows and movies, and more!

Amazon Unlimited

I love books, as you can tell by now! I also have Amazon Unlimited! It is a way to get books all month for one 10.00 fee. You can only get the books that are marked unlimited but their selection grows every month!

They have a wonderful selection of kids’ books! They have Unlimited reading from over 1 million ebooks, Unlimited listening to thousands of audiobooks and you can read on any device (this is my favorite)! You can join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Preferred Gifts for Family

I love buying family books. It is a great way to get books into your house. Ask grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to buy your kids books for birthdays, holidays, etc. I love doing the three gifts at Christmas. Something to read, something to wear, and something to play with! This is a great idea for grandma/grandpa too! It helps people to cut back and buy more meaningful gifts!

Your childhood books

Do you still have your childhood books? You might be surprised and find your parents still have a few! I have a few of mine and although some of the covers are falling off and they are very used I love having them for my kids! It brings back special memories for me and I love passing them down!

Treasury or Collection Books

If you don’t have a lot of room for books, Treasury or Collection Books can be a great way to have many stories in one binding! I wrote a post a while back with our favorite ones included! This can help save money too!

I hope this gives you lots of great ways to save money on your children’s books!