Build a home library for your kids

I’ve been a lover of reading for as long as I can remember.

I’ve always loved getting lost in books and letting my imagination run wild. While I have certain genres that I choose over others, I’m always open trying new genres.

I’ve been working hard on my collection over the years, much help from my mom finding books from authors I absolutely adore. Especially books from James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Jackie Collins.

I was the kid in primary school that signed her own reading lists, because I just couldn’t wait to get the new book on the list. My library card was also put to good use, and the rule of only six books constantly bothered me. I mean, while two weeks is a pretty long time to finish six books, I was able to finish double that amount in that time frame. If only we were allowed to have two library cards in our name, right?

I was also the kid that spent my last primary school years in the library during break time… As much time as I could spare, I spent with books. It didn’t make me very popular amongst the kids in my grade, but I was always in my happy place.

I don’t know how many books I’ve read throughout my 30 years (minus about six years), but the easiest answer would be: A LOT.

Build a home library for your kids with these easy steps
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There are so many benefits to reading, without going into too much detail and losing the plot of this post, here are some:

Makes you more empathetic
Improves vocabulary and language skills
Improves concentration
Grows your imagination
Exercises your brains
Aids in sleep readiness

And those aren’t even all of the benefits! Have you picked up a book yet? 🙂

I hope to instil the same love in my kids towards books and reading.

There’s nothing as good as snuggling up with a good book and losing yourself in it. Not only do you get to explore the heights of your imagination, but you’re helping them build on their language skills, vocabulary and even emotional development.

It’s a good idea to get your kids interested in books from a young age, even if they can’t read. The different colours and forms seen in books are always attention catching for kids. Introducing books to them from a young age is a good way to start creating the habit in their lives.

So where you do start getting books? If you’re a reader yourself, you’ll know that books can be pricey, and that’s no exception when it comes to kid’s books. If you’re planning on building a collection, you might not be as keen if you add up all the price tags.

That’s why I put together this list of alternative suggestions to help you build a library for your kids at home, with affordable price tags and variety.

Go to the library

You can’t go wrong with finding kid’s books at the library; there are always books to choose from. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in books, especially if you haven’t got any at home yet. You can let your kids choose their own books to take home which you can all enjoy reading together.

Sometimes libraries even have books that are for sale, at unbelievable low prices so if you’re looking to buy some books, it’s a great place to start.

Second-hand stores

Second-hand stores are always a good go-to when looking for a wide variety of reading books, for kids and adults. I have found so many kid’s books at second-hand stores, and walked away with arm fulls of books, paying the same price for all as I would for a new book at stores.

Hospices also sell second-hand books, and while their prices are sometimes a little higher than at second-hand stores, if you have the time to dig around the books on the shelves, you’re guaranteed to find books to fit your budget.

Gifting

You can start collecting books even before your kids are born. I have some books from my baby shower with Kid1 that I was gifted, and I’ve been collecting books for all the kids ever since.

If anyone ever asks what gifts to your kids? BOOKS! It doesn’t matter if they can’t read yet but it’s such a great investment to make. I know some might not see the point in books, and that toys would make more sense. I do see the point, toys break and some kids lose interest faster in the toys than you would expect (never mind, you do expect it). Books make great gifts, they are versatile and hold much more value to them.

Subscriptions

I have collections that I purchased from The Disney Book Club when Kid1 was just over a year old. We received two news books each month, and as you can imagine, we collected quite a few over the months.

There are many book club subscriptions you can choose from (unfortunately Star Achievers don’t do the Disney books anymore) and for a set cost a month, you can grow the collections at home too! It works out cheaper to do a monthly subscription than paying one whole lump sum to receive the complete collection all at home. Something to think about when looking at book collections 😉

You can also have a look at Kids Book Club if you’re leaning towards the subscription route.

Giveaways

There is always a book giveaway happening somewhere – bookstores and online. Keep your eyes out for these and enter them. The books are always interesting, and would be a great addition to your home library. You never know if you could be one of the lucky winners 🙂

Sales

Bookstores have sales every month on books, so popping in to look at the books in that section is always a good idea. You won’t be paying the full price for the books, so it’s a save! There are also people on social media that sell their books and you can always contact them if you see anything interesting. Groups that have homeschooling parents are always reselling their books for reasonable prices. A great place to purchase books from is The Living Book Shelf on Facebook. They have a variety of books to choose from and have affordable prices.

Tips to help you build a home library for your kids
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It’s never to start building your home library for your kids. I hope these suggestions will help you in doing so, and getting your kids into reading from a young age.