Finding new books is always exciting, but finding budget books is even more thrilling! When I was a teacher, I loved growing my book collection. Since I had to use my own money for them, I found frugal ways to build my library. I thought outside the box, and learned some great ways to find books for my classroom.
Now that I stay at home with my two children, I use these same strategies to build our home library. Instead of focusing on quantity like I used to, I search for high-quality, living texts. Here are some ways that I’ve found high-quality texts on a tight budget.
Ebay- I’ve found some great books on eBay: better deals than I can find on Amazon. When I find a good seller, I stick with them so I can combine shipping costs and work with someone I trust. I can get hardcover books for less than $2 each on eBay. When I have a specific title in mind, this is where I look first.
Finding the best books on a budget saves money.Thrift stores–
There are several thrift stores in our area that I visit, but for some reason I’ve found the best books at Savers. I bought one book for each of my children last week, and they were $0.75 each. These are classic titles that I’m trying to build up in our library.
Library sales- Libraries sometimes clean out their inventories and sell their used books for great prices. Once, I found fifteen great condition, hardcover picture books at a library sale for $1 a piece. These normally sell for $15 or more when they’re new!
Imagination Library– Dolly Parton started this program, which gives freely to children. It isn’t available in my area, but I keep checking just in case it shows up!
Buy/Sell/Trade Groups– I belong to a few of these groups on Facebook. People are always hoping to get rid of books that their kids have outgrown! I have seen so many great titles on these groups for very low prices. If I’m looking for a specific book, I put out an “in search of” message in hopes that someone wants to sell the book I’m looking for.
With these strategies, you can build up a great collection for children!
Bio: Leah is a former teacher who now stays at home with her two little ones. She writes about using the Charlotte Mason Method, a Christian educational philosophy, during the early childhood years at http://mylittlerobins.com. Her days are powered by Jesus, the support of her husband, Nate, and lots of coffee.
Thanks for the ideas. I am an avid reader as are my children which means I am constantly on the lookout for new books. If they come at a reduced price, I am even happier!
Books are also in high demand at our home! Glad this post could help you!
Thanks for the tips! I am always wanting to buy more books, but can’t really afford it. Now that I am homeschooling, they are in even higher demand around here. I have gotten some at thrift stores and one amazing yearly library sale, but I need to look into some more libraries and some of these other tips. I especially don’t know why I never thought to look on all of those buy/sell/trade sites! Thanks : )
I’m so glad they could help you.