Books are a great way to encourage classroom reading. But no teacher can afford to pay hundreds of dollars just to get a book for their classroom library. The majority of school administrators have a limited budget so they have to be creative when it comes to supplying their schools with books. But teachers must be able to access the tools they need to do their jobs well. In this blog, we take a look at How to Get Free Books for Your Classroom Library.
List of Organizations to Get Free Books
Here is the list of websites from where you can order free books for your classroom library.
First Book
First Book is an educational charity formed in 1992, that works with and alongside educators to remove financial barriers to accessing books and school supplies. By giving away books and allowing teachers to request free class sets, they aim to provide students with the tools they need to excel in their education.
Their Book Bank allows educators who teach at an eligible organization to request free class sets of children’s books, with no charge except for shipping and handling. Educators can purchase cheap book bundles via First Book’s online store if not affiliated with a particular educational organization.
To apply create an account on First Book, then visit the Book Bank to see what is currently available.
Book Trust
To encourage the love of reading at school and home, Book Trust offers free books to students in Title I schools throughout the school year and keeps them in their home libraries.
They want to help kids build libraries full of books they want to read and help teachers use those books in classrooms to foster a love of reading. This is done through the Scholastic Book Club. Book Trust has donated over 1 million books to 57,000 students in 21 states.
Visit the Book Trust application page to know the eligibility criteria.
Kids Need to Read
Kids Need to Read provides free books for teachers who work at libraries, schools, or other organizations with limited funding.
Libraries, schools, and literacy programs can request books through their online application. Kids Need to Read selects books from their growing list of more than 350 titles based on the age ranges and demographics of the population served.
You can apply by filling out an application to determine if you are eligible and request book donations. Applications are closed four months a year: May, July, November, and December.
Lisa Libraries
The Lisa Libraries Program assists low-income children and underserved communities by donating books to fill bookshelves. Many of these libraries are in daycare facilities, prison visiting areas for children of prisoners, and after-school programs.
If your organization is interested in receiving books for your children, write to Lisa Libraries with information about your organization, the number of children served, and your demonstrated needs.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress Surplus Books Program provides free books to schools and classrooms. A qualifying organization or institution must be located in the United States and it should either be a Full-time, tax-supported, or nonprofit educational institution or Agency of local, state, or federal government.
Follow the application instructions mentioned on their website to submit a donation request to the Library of Congress.
We Need Diverse Books in the Classroom
We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) is a non-profit and grassroots organization that provides free books to underfunded schools. WNDB advocates for fundamental changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. WNDB has distributed over 70,000 across the country.
Better World Books
Better World Books provides free books to schools, libraries, and other institutions around the world. Over 32,772,607 books have been donated and over 396,430,677 books have been reused and recycled by BWB.
You can apply for books by filling out the form with detail about your school and the number of books you need.
International Book Program
Through the International Book Program, educators at Title I schools, prisons, homeless shelters, after-school programs, libraries, and hospitals can request a donation of free books. Books can be mailed to you (even internationally), or you can pick them up if you’re in Kentucky.
Conclusion
We hope the above-mentioned information is beneficial for you. With this knowledge, you can make the most of your budget and teach your students with the most up-to-date materials available! So what are you waiting for? Contact above mentioned organizations for more information about how to get free books for classroom library today!