How to Start a Homeschool Library

Even though you may take full advantage of the library and all it offers, there is just something about having a small library of your own. This is a great way to encourage your child to read. So, where do you start when building your own homeschool library? Where can you get quality books at a discount price? How can you display your homeschool library? You can find the answers to all of these questions here. Get tips on where to buy books and ideas on how to display them.

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Where to buy cheap books for your homeschool library...

1.) America's Thrift store, Goodwill, thrift stores or second-hand shops

I think America’s Thrift Store is the best on price in terms of the volume of literature I take home. However, I am always perplexed by how surprisingly new many of the books at Goodwill are. True thrift stores will sell kid’s paperbacks for under a $1 and hard backs for a $1.50. Not too shabby.

2.) Small, local book shops

Small, local shops will offer a variety of used and new books, however, the cost is usually significantly more than the true thrift store. The plus side is that the store is dedicated to books, often has a welcoming environment, and affords you the opportunity to know and support a local patron. I also appreciate that many of these local book hubs will buy back your books. Nice.

3.) Christian Book

Christianbook.com is the best option when looking for a Christian based series. However, Christianbook.com offers more than just Christian based books, Bibles, and curriculum. Furthermore, Christian Books has a clearance section that you can peruse through along with regular sales to cut the cost of that new fiction novel you’ve been dying to try. Remember… encouraging reading amongst your little ones can start with seeing their role models enjoying a good book too!

4.) Thrift Books

This last option has only recently become a favorite of ours, Thrift Books. Unlike the thrift stores we shop at, when my son gets on Thrift Books online store, he is enthralled with the selection that it offers at discounted prices. This is an online option for new & used books. Free shipping on books if you spend at least $10. Try it. I think you will like it.

5.) Barnes & Noble Discount Card

I have to admit that we don’t make it to Barnes & Noble often since we make use of the above options frequently. However, if Barnes & Noble is your bookstore of choice, then you need to make sure to sign up for the educator’s discount. Homeschool parents qualify for the educator’s discount with just a few items of verification. With approval, you can receive a 20% discount off items they deem education related.

6.) Local Library Sale

Every year our local library has a large book & video sale at the Civic Center in our town. Every homeschooler I know talks this sale up. I don’t know if every town has a library sale like this, but it would definitely be worth your time to inquire about it from your local librarian. Just the other day, a friend of mine was appalled that I had missed the last book sale… how could I?!

What books do you put in a homeschool library...

This question is easy to answer. All kinds of books. The books you choose to include in your homeschool library should intrigue you and your student. If you aren’t curious enough to open the book, then skip on it. Of course, you will likely add a set of the classics, lots of picture books, chapter books, animal books, transportation books, books on mummification, dinosaurs, and art books. You may find some cool how-to-draw books or political comics. You will find that you are likely drawn to certain types of books. So, I encourage you to let your kids help you find some books for your homeschool library too. They will likely pick ones that you wouldn’t normally. This will help give your library a more well-rounded feel. And sometimes, break the rule and pick a book you wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. Remember, never judge a book by its cover.

How to display your homeschool library...

I am reminded of the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” One of the best ways to encourage your child to read is to make sure that books are readily available. If your child can see books in plain sight throughout their day, they are more likely to see one that peaks their interest. Which in turn, will encourage them to pick it up and read!

Some years ago, I collected pictures of various book display ideas for when the time came to install them in my own home. When the time came to finally pick one, I realized something. There are lots of ways to arrange, organize, and store books, but they don’t all work in the space you have or with how you plan to use them or your budget. In the end, we displayed books using items we already had and with others handed down to us. I did not find some unique way to display ours, just good old fashioned bookcases, baskets, and the … floor. Yes, I wrote the floor.

However you choose to bring books into your home, just do it. Encourage your child to read with a cozy reading nook. Put a basket of colorful stories next to a comfy couch or plop a bean bag up against a bookshelf of fiction. It doesn’t matter if you live in the largest house on the block or in a tiny home on wheels, make books a focal point where you live.

SHOP KID FICTION BOOKS

How to organize your homeschool library...

Wow. Ok, depending on your personality, the answer to this question could go in many different directions. For us, we tend to sort books by subject and type. So, all of our Christian books are on one shelf. Then we have picture books on one shelf. Next, we have a section of chapter books and then novels. We have a section for science related books and then history based. So, for us, organizing our books is more about sorting into groups. I think this works best for most homeschool families.

Food for Thought...

As budgets get tighter or even home spaces become smaller, some homeschool families have opted to not to have a homeschool library. Rather, they have a basket of rotating books from the library or a small bookshelf housing a number of family favorites. Some might even say the homeschool library is overrated. Furthermore, that the home library houses books that get forgotten and unless there is a constant overturning of new books added to the lot, most of the books remain on the shelf to become dusty. I think no matter what side of the fence you sit; books serve an important role in learning. So, if you have a large-devoted library or you tote yours with you, enjoy the books you read. Don’t take them for granted. Many are blessings with a cover. Take care… Marie