Where to find books

Mural in the Brown Academy, Chattanooga, TN

For many families books might be an expense that doesn't fit into your household budget. Other families may have children that tire easily of the same books, and always want to read something new. There are great places to get books to read.

Let's explore some options:

• Local public library
• Goodwill and other consignment stores
• Free book programs like Imagination Library founded by Dolly Parton (Georgia's chapter of the Imagination Library is called the Ferst Foundation founded by Robin Ferst)
• Consider telling friends and family that your child would like new books for birthdays and other special holidays to build them a library.
• When hosting a baby shower for a mom-to-be, you can request that guests bring a book instead of a card for the new baby. A nice book can be purchased for the same price as a $5 greeting card, and will be a great for the new parents to read right from the start.

The best place to find books is the local public library. There are a plethora of books available and librarians can help with selecting age appropriate books. Parents have access to all types of children's books at the library, from the classics to books that help explain things such as the upcoming birth of a new sibling. Preschoolers and older children can get their own library card free with permission from a parent. Parents should inquire about programs offered at the library as well. Many libraries host story time for small children throughout the month. The library is a great place to borrow books free of charge!

Mural in Brown Academy Library

Goodwill and other consignment stores have children's books for pennies on the dollar. At the Goodwill store in Duluth, Georgia, paperback books are just $0.75 while hardcover books are $1.50. These stores are constantly receiving donations, so you can check periodically for new books to add to your child's collection. A quick turn of the pages will allow you to check for missing pages and excessive markings. By purchasing used books from consignment stores you are saving money!

Search for programs that offer free books to children in your area. Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library, a free book program for children from birth to age 5. Program participants receive a free book, mailed to their home each month until they turn 5 years old. To see if you live in an area eligible to enroll in the Imagination Library click here to view the "Register My Child" page. The form asks for your address to see if you live in an area that participates in the program. Georgia has a program called the Ferst Foundation founded by Robin Ferst, in conjunction with the Imagination Library. The Ferst Foundation currently serves 72 counties and 10 communities in Georgia (Ferst).  To see if you are eligible to enroll in this program based on your address, click here to visit the Ferst Foundation's "Counties Served" page. Below the map, depending on the county, you will be able to either apply online or print an enrollment form to mail in. All of the books are completely free of charge. There is no criteria to meet other than the child must be under 5 years old and live in a eligible county.

Children with visual impairments can also request books! The Imagination Library has partnered with American Printing house for the Blind (APH) to provide audio books, and books in print/braille to children with vision disabilities. Due to the limited variety of books available in the print/braille format, children that participate in this program will receive five books a year instead of one a month. Parents interested in receiving the print/braille books should click here to see instructions on enrolling in the program. The APH currently has 70 audiobook titles available to download free. The site does state that you need a special digital player to play the tapes, but offers information on getting one for free on the same page as the audio book request form. Parents interested in receiving the audio books can click here to see if you are in an area eligible to receive the tapes.

Birthdays and holidays can be great ways to add books to your child's book collection. New books will make great presents for children of all ages. You can suggest books when people ask for gift ideas for your child as well. Books are great gifts for the early years when most parents don't think about reading to their children.

If you host a baby shower for a mom-to-be, consider placing a poem such as the one below in the invitations. Request
that guests bring a book for the baby that can be used for years instead of an expensive greeting card that will likely be looked at once or twice and stored in a box or thrown away.

We can't wait to see you at the shower,
When (mom-to-be's name) will be the woman of the hour.
We have one request we hope isn't too hard,
Please sign your name to a book instead of a card.
Then mom and dad will be ready when the baby arrives,
To read to their darling for the rest of their lives! (author unknown)