For Other Professionals
In Search of Free Books
Where can your school, library, or community group find free or low-cost books for kids? There are a number of national organizations and programs you can turn to for books to fill the shelves of your library, classroom, or literacy program and help you put books into the hands and homes of young readers.
In this article:
National book giveaway programs
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, developed in 1995 for her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has been replicated in communities across the United States to bring books into the homes of preschool children. Through the program, all children in a participating community are enrolled at birth or when they move into the community. Each month, from the day the child is born until their 5th birthday, a selected book arrives at the mailbox. The Dollywood Foundation has developed the delivery system, negotiated price, selected the publisher and the individual titles, and created registration and promotional materials. Local champions in the community — businesses, school districts, civic organizations, individuals, or local government — finance the cost of the books and the mailing, register the children and promote the program.
First Book
First Book is a national nonprofit that has provided more than 50 million new books to children in need. In neighborhoods across the country, First Book unites leaders from all sectors of the community to identify and support community-based literacy programs reaching children living at or below the poverty line and provide them with grants of free books and educational materials. The First Book National Book Bank, a subsidiary of First Book, provides new books to children from low-income families using generous donations from children’s book publishers. The First Book National Book Bank distributes large quantities of publisher-donated brand-new books to programs serving children from low-income families. There are 25 to 30 book distributions hosted by the First Book National Book Bank annually at a variety of sites across the United States. The books are free to programs that are able to pick them up or just $0.25 per book to have them shipped.
Heart of America Foundation
The Heart of America Foundation's mission is to teach the values at the heart of America and to help people, particularly children, learn that they help themselves when they help others. Uniquely combining character education, literacy, and service learning, Heart of America's programs include Books From The Heart, a literacy program which engages students, corporations, and other organizations in gathering books that are not being used, solicits publishers for surplus books, and then gets these books into the hands children. Heart of America’s priority is to provide books for elementary schools with 50% or more of their students enrolled in the free/reduced meal program. Interested schools can register to become a Books From The Heart Book Recipient School.
Library of Congress Surplus Books Program
The Library of Congress has surplus books available to educational institutions and non-profit tax-exempt organizations. As most of the books have been turned over to the Library of Congress by other Federal agencies, the collection usually contains only a small percentage of publications at the primary and secondary school levels. There is continuous turnover in the supply of surplus books which can only be received in person by an authorized representative of an eligible organization. The value of the books available at any one time may not justify the expense of sending a representative to Washington solely to select books from this collection, but may be worth the trip in conjunction with a visit to the nation’s capital.
Lisa Libraries
The Lisa Libraries provides new children’s books to help fill bookshelves for small, grass-roots organizations that work with low-income children in underserved communities and provide books to children who may never have had books to call their own. Some of the libraries established have been at day-care centers, prison visiting areas for children of incarcerated parents, and after-school programs. Organizations interested in receiving books for their children should write to the Lisa Libraries.
The Literacy Empowerment Foundation
The Literacy Empowerment Foundation (LEF) is dedicated to assisting educational programs by providing inexpensive children’s books. The Reading Resource Project is an ongoing LEF program that distributes free books in sets of 100 books to literacy programs. Recipients pay shipping, handling, and administrative costs ($65 per set of 100 books). Reading levels are available for preK through second grade and are available in a limited quantity on a first come, first served basis.
Reach Out and Read (ROR)
Reach Out and Read (ROR) programs make early literacy a standard part of pediatric primary care for low-income families. At every well-child check-up for children from six months to five years of age, doctors and nurses encourage parents to read aloud to their young children, offer age-appropriate tips and encouragement, and provide a new, developmentally appropriate children's book to keep. Each new ROR program receives a start-up award to cover the cost of books for up to the first six months of the program. Clinics need to raise funds to pay for the remaining books needed for the first year, after which each eligible ROR program receives funding for book purchases-usually 25% or more of their annual book costs.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
RIF, the nation’s oldest and largest children’s literacy organization, is most well known for its flagship service, Books for Ownership (formerly know as the National Book Program). Through this program, children choose and keep several free paperback books each year and participate in reading motivation activities. RIF serves children and families in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories in programs that operate in schools, libraries, community centers, child care centers, Head Start and Even Start centers, hospitals, migrant worker camps, homeless shelters, and detention centers. To meet eligibility requirements for the federal funds that pay for 75% of book costs, at least 80% of children must be considered "at risk," as defined by the National Literacy Act of 1991 and participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Meal program.
Local sources
Book Drives
Request a local church or service group to sponsor a book drive to collect gently used children's books for your organization. These national groups with local chapters have made service to children’s literacy a priority:
- Kiwanis International
- Rotary International
- General Federation of Women’s Clubs
- Girl Scouts
- Zonta International
Local chapters of these professional membership organizations may also be supportive:
- American Association of University Women
- Executive Women International
- International Reading Association
Local Stores and Libraries
Contact your local public libraries, bookstores, toy stores, and other businesses. They may be willing to donate or sell at a discount older or overstocked books that they carry. Better yet, create an ongoing partnership so they will regularly set aside books for your group.
Wish Lists
Whenever you send out a newsletter or e-mail, include a Wish List of the books you'd like donated. This makes an especially effective appeal during the holidays. Choose the books for your wish list by checking with a children's librarian, teacher, or the recommended books on Reading Rockets. Or go "high tech" by using the Wish List feature on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
Your Public Television Station
Each month, participating public television stations distribute free books to their local partner organizations, who then make them available to children who otherwise would not have books of their own.
Online options
Many sites on the Internet offer free children's books by unknown authors and of uncertain quality. The following sites, however, have some good online choices for kids. Note that the experience of reading a book online is very different from holding and reading a printed book.
E-Books
International Children's Digital Library (ICDL)
The non-profit ICDL Foundation’s library has evolved into the world's largest digital collection of children's books. Currently its digital library comprises over 1,500 books in 37 different languages that have been digitized and archived from its library collection of 5,000 books. The ICDL Foundation is partnering with One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) to provide digital versions of its children’s books and reader software for the millions of free laptops OLPC will ship worldwide.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is the first and largest single collection of free electronic books and offers all the classics on MP3. The goal of Project Gutenberg is to provide as many eBooks in as many formats as possible for the entire world to read in as many languages as possible. There are more than 20,000 free books in the Project Gutenberg Online Book Catalog.
TumbleBookLibrary
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of children's favorite story books, such as "The Paper Bag Princess," "Diary of a Worm," “How I Became a Pirate,” "Miss Malarkey Doesn't Live in Room 10," "One Duck Stuck," and "Tops and BottomsmbleBooks, that have added animation, sound, music and narration. The result is an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. The TumbleBookLibrary is a subscription service, but offers a free one-month trial for librarians, media specialists, teachers and school administrators that provides unlimited access for everyone in your school or library to the complete TumbleBookLibrary.
I am a coordinator of a reading program at a pediatric office we give books to children when they come in to our office for checkups this is funded through donations, we are having a hard time finding funding.
Posted by: Ginger Lagcher | April 14, 2010 11:32 AMwe have just opened a new christian school in florence s.c its called Faith Christian Acadamy. its a awesome school with loveing christian teachers. We turned an old school an through God he has blessed us w it an we have brought it back to good use but we need books for a new library that we dnt have yet. God is awesome an we know through him all things are posible.if we can get get contributions an donations for these things our children will be very excited an thankfull. never give up on dreams an children they are our future an tomorrow.Thank You
Posted by: vicki taylor | September 02, 2010 03:54 PMHi Vicki, just wondering if you have found donors for your books. If not contact me at sflowers@northmarq.com as I may have another option for you and your school.
Posted by: ShirleyFlowers | October 14, 2010 03:53 PMWe are looking for free/low cost books for our new school. It is a Hebrew Charter School, Ben Gamla in Miami Beach, FL. We just opened this Fall and we do not have any funding yet for books. Any ideas?
Posted by: Amanda Meyers | October 22, 2010 07:44 PMSCPA in cincinnati is in dire need of some books for its library, they just opened a branch new building housing k-12, if someone can give me some information on how to get books donated to a school please contact me at tiffanyg_avon@yahoo.com so I can pass on to the schools librarian Thanks
Posted by: tiffany | November 02, 2010 10:38 AMWe are a small non-profit charter school called the Conservatory of Vocal and Instrumental Arts (COVA). COVA is a special place. Only in its fourth year, COVA is distinguishing itself as the only K-8 school offering a unique opportunity to Oakland children by offering both a strong academic education as well as free music and performing arts training. Our school has limited resources -- 60% of our students qualify for the federal free lunch program and most of its student body is made up of children of color.
Our library in particular is completely barren. There are no books, carpets, media, learning kits or supplies in general. We are looking to strengthen our library with new and/or gently used non-fiction and reference books and media that support our standard curriculum. But also, as a performing arts school, we are particularly interested in receiving donations of books and media about all genres of music, art, dance, theatre and literature. It is our dream to have a listening and viewing library on computers so that our students can find inspiration and their own creative work supported by published artistic and literary expressions.
We would love to be a possible recipient of books and media. Please advise how to proceed.
Posted by: Aida Salazar | November 06, 2010 05:24 AMI am in search of books to give to students at my school in rural Mississippi for Read Across America day. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Marie | January 19, 2011 02:04 PMHi My name is Tina Hankerson, I'm a member of The Faith Center MInistries in Sunrise, Fl. My church is looking to open a Library for our Youth Ministry and we are looking for book donations and even discounted books. Please put me in contact with any partners or agencies of interest. Thanks
Posted by: TinaHankerson | February 04, 2011 03:42 PMHi, I am a writer of fiction for teen girls and want to know if anyone is interested in some free copies of my new novel out this month, MUMBAI STORY. Set in Mumbai it is about a 15 yr old girl,Bu, who is a murder suspect. Having found the dead body of a boy in the apartment of the guy that she is crazy about she and her disabled father are hounded by corupt police. When the ghost of the boy appears to Bu she is then able to solve his murder. Many thanks LILY
Posted by: LILY BASS | February 07, 2011 03:41 PMLily I have about 10 teens girls who attend our Boys&Girls Club who would love to read your books. We do not have a good selection of book for our middle school kids. Most of the book donated to us are out of date or childrens books. If you could help I would be so thankful!!
Posted by: Maria Flanagan | February 10, 2011 03:30 PMHI Maria, thanks for your reply. Please could you tell me where your club is located? Many thanks Lily Bass
Posted by: Lily | February 11, 2011 05:28 AMI am doing a workshop for twenty low income parents on how to help you child at home with literacy skills. I would love to include in the take home packet a free book. Can you help to supply the free books,
Posted by: julia delaine | February 13, 2011 02:29 AMI am doing a workshop for twenty low income parents on how to help you child at home with literacy skills. I would love to include in the take home packet a free book. Can you help to supply the free books?
Posted by: julia delaine | February 13, 2011 02:32 AMjULIA, Regarding your worrkshop for low income parents, could you let me know what the average age of the children is, if possible, many thanks LILY BASS
Posted by: LILY BASS | February 14, 2011 05:46 AMPlease add a new site http://storytimeforme.com/ to your site as it has over 30 interactive children's books which is completely free.
Posted by: Andrew Gitt | February 21, 2011 04:26 AMLilly We are looking to giving our students a book for D.E.A.R day. I know the girls in our school would love your book.
Posted by: Arryn Cumpston | March 04, 2011 01:10 PMI teach students who have learning disabilities. I am in desperate need high interest, low readability books for these struggling readers. Our school library doesn't have many books that are interesting to this age group or are written on their reading level. Our school is located in a high poverty area. Most of the students do not have reading materials in the home. Many live in foster homes or have parents who are incarcerated. We need books that will turn them on to reading for a life time. Please tell me where I might find financial help for these books.
Posted by: Judy King | March 04, 2011 04:04 PMArryn, Could do you four copies if that is any help. Where is your school? Lily
Posted by: Lily Bass | March 14, 2011 04:36 PMI am in California and looking to give the students at the elementary school I work as a librarian, a new book to take home. The event I am holding in support of literacy is for childrens day/book day in late April. The school is fairly small and majority of the students are from low-income households. I have tried 2 different organizations with no luck.. Please Help
you can contact me
cathy.pimentel@sausd.us
i have a daycare in a low income community. How can we receive free books for these families? tonya43daycare15@yahoo.com
Posted by: tonya robinson | March 23, 2011 12:13 AMI am a parent/PTO member and school volunteer at Arnold Christian Academy K-8th grade in Arnold,Maryland. We are a small school with only 46 students this year. We are trying to update our small school library, but we have very limited funds. We were blessed to have a church commit to our school for next year to help keep our doors open. Our 5 teachers work so hard and work countless hours off the clock to ensure they can give our students the best education. We depend greatly on our student families for donations and support. Reading is taken very seriously at our school and the teachers worked very hard this year creating their own after-school reading programs, as well within the classroom. We are working hard at fundraising, but are having little success. Whether it is 1 book or 50, I would love any information on organizations that would possibly be in the position to donate free books. Thank you.
Posted by: Laura | May 12, 2011 01:09 PMI operate a tutoring program in reading in a low income aprtment complex. The children range in age from six to thirteen. I am in desperate need for books . I have been purchasing materials out of pocket Is there anyone out there with any suggestions on how I can get free books I live in South Carolina and every one I ask will not help me in getting books for these kids. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can get free books. someone please. help me find free books for these children . Because they are the leaders of tomorrow and I want to instill in them the love and joy of reading and help the children succeed in life. contct me at ljewelle@yahoo.com
Posted by: Lee | June 04, 2011 02:19 PMOur school system is the lowest in the state of florida. i am a retired teacher that trying to start a reading programs asst home and in churches. please help me to secure books for grades pre-k through 12th
Posted by: Catherine Murphy | July 19, 2011 03:59 PMOur school system is the lowest in the state of florida. i am a retired teacher that trying to start a reading programs asst home and in churches. please help me to secure books for grades pre-k through 12th
Posted by: Catherine Murphy | July 19, 2011 04:01 PMGREETINGS TO YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY,KINDLY SEND US SOME LITERATURE BOOKS FOR READING AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS,CONTACT :KATO EMMANUEL,MAFUBIRA ZONE[A] P.O.BOX 1828 JINJA UGANDA,CELL+256777765100, +256791181428, THANKS IN ADVANCE MAY HOLY GOD BLESS THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS
Posted by: KATO EMMANUEL | July 21, 2011 03:09 AMI am currently tutoring low income students and disabled students from PreK to high school. We don't have enough book to read.Do you know how I can get help to get English books. Terima kasih from Jakarta, Indonesia
Posted by: Josca M Danoes | July 30, 2011 08:18 AMIam planning to set up a reading resource centre for students and teachers. I am currently working as a teacher educator and I hope to receive books, magazines etc for the following address. MRKSM Bandara, English Section, Zonal Education Office, Kebithigolllewa, Sri Lanka. email maparah@yahoo.com, tel
Posted by: Keerthi Bandara, Sri Lanka | August 15, 2011 04:23 AMHELLO! LOOKING FOR AN ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. I AM FROM LAREDO TEXAS AND WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUT PARENT'S READ 3 BOOKS PER WEEK TO THEIR KIDS!
Posted by: MANNI GORHAM | August 20, 2011 08:45 PMGreat article! I love FREE stuff! These two articles I found helpful: Other Free Online Interactive Books- http://mulloverthings.com/2011/08/21-free-online-interactive-books-for-kids/
This article is about DonorsChoose.org, a donation site for teachers - http://mulloverthings.com/2011/08/19-need-funding-for-classroom-supplies-or-projects-visit-donorschoose-org/
I am a first year teacher in a very small school with only 38 students from K-6th grade. Many of my students are struggling at reading. I am the title 1 teacher and would love to have books for all levels that will help me teach reading and motivate students to read.
Posted by: Jessica | September 18, 2011 02:22 PMI am looking for books for my preschool class room and also for my own 2 kids i have a 4 year old that is completely in love with books. My classroom needs more variety. MissAmy0923@yahoo.com
Posted by: MissAmy | December 04, 2011 02:21 AMI am in need of reading material for primary school children. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: vonjasi@gmail.com | December 07, 2011 08:46 AMI am a first year Spanish teacher (PK-8th grade) at a rural New Jersey school. I am reaching out to organizations because I need help starting a Spanish section in our school library. Please email me at: martharrizon@facebook.com if you would like to be part of this project.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 07, 2011 08:24 PMwe are serving those children who are really very deserving .for those we need some some books for thier studies if you can help it wiil be agreat hounour for us thaks and obliges
Posted by: syed imran hassan | January 02, 2012 06:16 AMI am a reading specialist at a charter school serving low socioeconomic children. We do not have a library for our students to go and read. We are in desperate need for books, so that we can build a library for our students. The school is an elementary school, and would love to receive books that are age appropriate for our students. Our students could really benefit from a library! We would appreciate any help!!!
Posted by: Debby | January 04, 2012 04:59 PM
Comments
I am tutoring 12 innercity kids who are failing in school. I started helping at the beginning of this summer and the improvement is remarkable. I need help with books and other resources. HELP!!!
Posted by: Moureen | September 30, 2009 01:18 AM