Reading & Literacy

Free or Low-Cost Books (besides your local library!)

We love to read, but sometimes, we might not have the extra money to stock our shelves. Your local library is a wonderful option, but here are some additional ways you can access free or low-cost books.

Imagination Library – non-profit founded by Dolly Parton that mails free books to U.S. children and through partnerships with select other countries

Library of Congress for digitized classic children’s books

Literacy Cloud – free online picture books published by non-profit Room to Read representing different countries and cultures

Little Free Library – put in your zip code to find the nearest option where neighbors swap books (or learn how to create your own)

Many Books – site with free and discounted ebooks to download that includes children’s offerings

University of Florida’s Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature

University of Maryland International Children’s Digital Library

Book Finders

Are you struggling to decide which book to read next? With so many beautifully written books out there, it can be hard to know where to start looking. Here are search tools to help you find your next read.

eReaderIQ – a search tool to find free or on sale Kindle books, including children’s

Reading Rockets – for all kinds of search options and resources

Nonprofits Focused on Literacy, Book Deserts, and Diversity in Children’s Books

Did you know 32 million children (according to this article) lack access to books in their communities? All children should have the chance to pick up a book and to see themselves in the pages inside. Here are a few nonprofits that emphasize the importance of books for all kids.