{"id":14396,"date":"2023-12-31T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-31T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/?p=14396"},"modified":"2023-09-09T09:24:50","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T16:24:50","slug":"16-ways-to-find-cheap-and-free-books-for-your-classroom-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/16-ways-to-find-cheap-and-free-books-for-your-classroom-library\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Places to Find Cheap and Free Books for Your Classroom Library in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My favorite part of my classroom is, without a doubt, my library. It\u2019s cozy, organized, and full of so many great lessons and adventures. But, it didn\u2019t start as a masterpiece. Each year I added more and more books to it<\/span>. But before you open your wallet, read my tips for finding cheap and free books for your classroom library. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Find Cheap and Free Books for Your Classroom Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Use local Facebook Groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to join local mom groups, neighborhood, or teacher groups and ask for donations. You\u2019ll be surprised how many people are willing to help (or g<\/span>et excited about getting rid of their children\u2019s pre-loved books). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make your life even easier, you can just copy and paste the below request into the Facebook groups! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hi everyone! <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m (your name). I\u2019m super excited to be starting my very first (grade level) teaching job. I want my students to fall in love with reading and have a plethora of books to choose from. If you have any pre-loved books sitting around your house, I’d LOVE to take them off your hands! <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you in advance! <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ask Friends and Family for any unused books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brainstorm friends and family that have kids that may have outgrown your intended level of books. Send them a quick message. The worst they can say is no \ud83d\ude42 <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Shop used! <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Search for gems at Goodwill, Savers, Yardsales, or any other Thrift shops near you. A lot of the time, thrift sales will have weekly sales or deals on books as well\u2026make sure to ask about these! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Create a Donors Choose or apply for other grants <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Donors Choose<\/strong> <\/a>is a website (founded by a fellow teacher) where teachers can post requests for classroom resources. You then can share the link with your personal network, but your request is also featured on the website, and can receive donations from anonymous donors. The website itself matches all donations during your first project.<\/span> <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Start small and don\u2019t go overboard <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to compare your classroom library to a teacher who has been teaching for 10 years, but please do not let this overwhelm you. The key to creating a classroom library on a budget is to start small and build it over time. <\/span>Take advantage of these ways to find cheap and free books over time, not all at once. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Use Scholastic Book Orders in class and take advantage of the points <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When students purchase books from your class code in Scholastic Book orders<\/strong><\/a>, you earn points which then can be redeemed for free books for your classroom! Also, make sure to check for the one and two-dollar deals! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"how<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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7. Ask local libraries if they have any old books to donate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This will differ from state to state and library to library, but it\u2019s worth a try to call your local library to see if they have any donations available for teachers!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Ask other teachers (especially if they are switching grades or moving schools\/careers) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you know of a teacher leaving the field or switching grades<\/a>, ask if they are getting rid of any books. They will probably be thrilled to not have to pack them into heavy boxes! It\u2019s a great way to find some great free books for your classroom! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Create an Amazon wishlist and share it on social media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Build your classroom library on a budget by creating an Amazon Wishlist<\/a> and promoting it through social media. Friends, parents, and community members are usually happy to contribute! You could also share this wishlist at Meet The Teacher Night<\/a>! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Request a donation from Kids Need to Read <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kids Need to Read <\/span><\/a>is a nonprofit organization that has donated close to one million books to children in need. Teachers can request a donation via their website. Books are donated based on the need and probability of impact of said donation.<\/span> <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Purchase a bargain box from Reading Resource Warehouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stretch your budget even further by purchasing bargain boxes from <\/span>Reading Resource Warehouse<\/span><\/a>. These collections offer a cost-effective way to expand your classroom library.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"teacher<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Keep an eye out for local warehouse sales <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye out for local warehouse sales where you might find discounted books. These events can offer a golden opportunity to build your classroom library at reduced prices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Request a donation from Half Priced Books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may have shopped at your local Half Priced Books store before, but it\u2019s great to know that they also donate books to local nonprofits and schools! You can request a donation <\/span>here!<\/span><\/a> take advantage of the Educator in-store discount of 10 percent<\/span> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Get local high schoolers and volunteers to look for free and cheap books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Get local high schoolers<\/span> completing a service project or community hours of some sort involved. See if anyone would be willing to host a book drive or other fundraiser to build your classroom library. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Shop on Thriftbooks.com <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thriftbooks.com is a great site to help build your classroom library cost-effectively.  Although the books here are oftentimes more expensive than the ones you\u2019d find at thrift stores, it\u2019s great to be able to buy the exact book you want at a lower cost than new. Make sure to take advantage of the “every 5th book free” offer for teachers!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Shop for deals and bundles on The Book Bundler <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Explore deals and bundles on The Book Bundler to maximize your money. Bundled options can provide a diverse range of books for your classroom library<\/strong><\/a> without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a diverse classroom library doesn\u2019t have to cost you a fortune. From utilizing your own personal network to applying for grants, the money-saving options are plentiful. I hope you found these 16 ways to find cheap and free books for your classroom helpful! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"how<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy reading and book collecting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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