Once children are reading, quantity of reading and instilling a desire for reading become critical components of improving reading skills. Underlying this is access to books.
A starting place is obviously the school or local community library. However, it is also a powerful motivator for children to have their own personal library. In fact, the research show that children are more likely to read books that they choose and own.
The question is: Where can you access free or low cost books, especially if money is tight?
In Australia, you can investigate the following sources:
- Dymocks Children’s Charities Book Bank – This program provides new books to primary school-aged children in Australia. Children choose from a diverse catalogue of books, encouraging them to build their own personal libraries
- Check out charity shops such as Good Samaritans or Save the Children. In WA, there is an annual used book sale at the University of Western Australia –
- Share a Book distributes pre-loved books to First Nations, refugee and marginalised communities across Australia.
- Look out for Little Free Libraries that individuals set up around the community or set up your own.
- Explore second-hand book shops and community markets.
- Set up a book swap. This post provides further information.
- Ask neighbours, friends and relatives. It could be as simple as putting a request on Facebook.
- Check out Facebook groups such as Buy Nothing or Free Stuff.
- Approach a local religious or service group to sponsor a book drive to collect gently used children’s books for your school or organisation:
- Contact your local library as they often sell books that have been donated to them or that they no longer need in their collection due to having multiple copies or lack of shelf space.
- Although not free, The Book Warehouse has many heavily discounted books
If you are in the USA, check out the post In Search of Free Books for relevant information.