Build a children’s home library on a budget
A home full of books is one of the best gifts you can give a child, and it does not have to cost much. Here is how to fill your shelves for pennies.
Children who grow up around books tend to read more, and that does not depend on how much money a family has. A shelf of well-loved books, many of them second-hand, does the job beautifully.
Where to find cheap and free books
- Charity shops. Many have a children’s shelf with books at a euro or two.
- Second-hand bookshops and online marketplaces. Search by author, series or “bundle” to buy several at once.
- School and community book sales. Parents’ associations and local groups often run these.
- Library sales. Libraries regularly clear out copies and sell them cheaply.
- Book swaps. Organise one with other parents, school friends or neighbours. Each family brings books and takes new ones home.
- Hand-me-downs. Ask relatives and friends whose children have grown out of their books.
- Free-book shelves. Some community spaces, cafés and estates have free libraries where you can take or leave a book.
Where to spend a little more
Buy new when it matters. If your child asks again and again for a particular book, or for special occasions, a new book is worth the money. Look out for paperbacks, which are cheaper than hardbacks, and for editions sold at supermarkets or in multi-packs.
Mix owned and borrowed books
A balance works well: a core of treasured books your child can read over and over, plus a rotating selection of library books for variety. Our guide to children’s books and your local library explains how.
How to set up a reading space
- Put books at child height. Children read more when they can reach books themselves.
- Face covers outwards. Front-facing books are more tempting than spines.
- Make a cosy corner. A beanbag, a few cushions and a lamp are plenty.
- Use baskets and boxes. A basket by the sofa, one in the bedroom and one in the car keep books close.
- Rotate. Swap books in and out every few weeks, so old favourites feel new.
Look after your books
- Keep them dry and away from direct sun, which fades covers.
- Teach gentle handling, but accept that well-loved books will be dog-eared.
- Repair with tape or glue, and use clear library-style cover tape for treasured paperbacks.
Passing books on
When your child outgrows a book, pass it on. Give it to a friend, donate it to a charity shop or school, or leave it in a free-book shelf. Reading is contagious.
Frequently asked questions
How many books should a child have at home?
There is no magic number. Even a small shelf makes a difference. Quality and variety matter more than quantity.
Are second-hand books okay for babies and toddlers?
Generally yes, especially board books, which can be wiped clean. Check that pages are not loose or torn so small pieces cannot come off.
Should I buy a whole series at once?
Only if you know your child will love it. Start with the first book and see whether they ask for the next one. Often the library has the rest.
What is the cheapest way to get new books?
The library is free. After that, swaps, charity shops and book sales are your best bets.