Times are tough these days. If you are stretched financially, with kids getting antsy from cabin fever, or both, check out these resources for FREE and discounted books – both the real page-turning kind and virtual books, to encourage reading at all ages.
Your Local Library
NYC has three library systems, and each offers FREE e-books for kids.
Ask about the policy for waiving late fees for children who returned books late or did not return books in the past.
The New York Public Library (NYPL) serves Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island.
The Queens Library serves Queens
The Brooklyn Public Library serves Brooklyn
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The country music legend has given away more than 133 million children’s books through this program, which mails free books to children from 0-5 years of age.
Visit the website to register.
There are also resources for parents and family activities related to the books on the website.
Parton also is reading bedtime stories from the Imagination Library collection once a week, via live streaming, through Mid-June.
And if you miss one, you can catch up on online any time.
ThriftBooks
This online reseller of used books and new overstock books has gazillions of titles for kids at just $3.99. Stock up on such favorites as Charlotte’s Web, Harry Potter, and Winnie-the-Pooh.
Search by age or author, and shipping is FREE with orders of $10 or more.
And for the grown-ups, there are discounted novels, travel guides, cookbooks and more.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.