Raising kids is expensive. So I am always looking for inexpensive ways to purchase the things that my daughter needs. As bookworms, we both devour books at a ridiculous rate, so it is important that I find ways to get cheap books for kids. Today I wanted to share 7 ways that I get inexpensive or free books for my growing bookworm.

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1. The Library

Starting out with a super obvious one, but one that continues to be overlooked. Even I have to admit that we don’t go to the library as often as I would like us to. The library is the best place to get access to completely free reading materials for kids and adults. Many libraries even offer the opportunity to borrow e-books as well. Check with other libraries in your state to see if you are eligible to borrow from their catalogs as well. (I know the New York Public Library will grant you a card if you are a resident of NY state, but I do not know about other states). Even though I usually prefer a physical copy of a book, I have increased the number of books I have read by using the NYPL in addition to my local library.

2. Secondhand Stores

Thank goodness for secondhand stores! I have purchased more clothing for my daughter at our local consignment store than any other store. I have lucked into some of her absolute favorite clothes, toys, and books by shopping there. Our local consignment shop even offers a book club where you earn a free book every month. It may take digging through crowded shelves, but you may find some great books at ridiculously low prices!

Related Post: The Trouble with Raising Bookworms

3. Local Book Sales

There are couple of local book sales that take place in our area, usually to help a local charity. They gather book donations from all around and sell them at incredible prices. Keep your eyes open for these sales in your area, or even at your local library, and pay attention to “bag sale” days. These are days when you can fill an entire shopping bag with books for one low price. My sister and I have often challenged the concept of how many books you can cram into a bag at these sales — and saved ourselves a bundle in the process!

4. Amazon Pre-owned

We all use Amazon for everything, but so often people forget about the used and pre-owned sections of each listing. If you are looking at a certain book on Amazon, don’t forget to look into the additional sellers offering it. While you may not be able to pay the full price for a brand new book, there are plenty of sellers often selling it in good condition for much less.

Related Post: 5 Things Experts Don’t Tell You About Reading to Kids

5. Facebook Marketplace

I have not purchased many items on Facebook marketplace, but my mom does a lot of shopping on there and she has gotten a lot of great deals. A quick search for children’s books being sold in my area offers brought up lots of results. People on Marketplace are often selling “lots” which can include a large number of books in a certain theme, genre, age group, or series. This is a great way to nab a whole series of books that your family enjoys!

6. Garage Sales

Who doesn’t love a good garage sale? When the weather gets nice, the garage sales start to pop up, and these are a great way to get kid’s books for next to nothing! Plus you never know what gems you may find. A few years ago my daughter was obsessed with Disney’s Little Einsteins which hasn’t been on the air in years. So books and toys with her favorite characters were pretty hard to find. So imagine my joy when I lucked into a couple of Little Einsteins books! Keep your eyes open for local garage sales or block sales to find some hard to find books at very low prices.

7. Scholastic Book Orders

I cannot tell you the number of books that I have purchased from Scholastic Book Orders over the years. No matter how old I get, I still get giddy when the book order forms come home! And now Scholastic Book Clubs offer the opportunity to purchase books online at lower prices too. The flyers from each age level are available online, meaning you can purchase the cheapest books from each age level, and even earn free books for spending a certain amount!

What are your favorite tips for finding affordable kids books? Where do you find cheap books for kids? Share in the comments below!

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