Free Books for Kids: Where to Find Them
May, 10 2025
If you think free books for kids are hard to come by, you’re missing out on some serious goldmines. Tons of groups, websites, and even your block’s secret spots can help you build a library for your little one without touching your wallet.
Your public library isn’t just about borrowing—many hand out free books, especially during summer reading events. Some even have baskets labeled 'Take One, Keep One.' And don't ignore that library bulletin board. Flyers for nearby book giveaways pop up more often than you’d think.
- Local Libraries: More Than Just Borrowing
- Online Programs That Send Free Books
- Little Free Libraries and Community Swaps
- Book Fairs and Hidden Giveaways
Local Libraries: More Than Just Borrowing
Your local library is seriously underrated when it comes to getting free books for kids. Most people think you just borrow and return, but libraries today do a lot more, especially for young readers. Some even let you keep the books, not just borrow them.
All across the U.S., libraries run “summer reading” programs where every child who hits reading goals walks away with a free book. And it isn’t just for the season—National Library Week in April often comes with book giveaways, and libraries in big cities, like New York Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library, have ongoing initiatives all year. During the 2024 summer reading program, over 2 million books were given to kids by U.S. libraries. That’s not small potatoes.
Look for special baskets or shelves marked “Free Books” near the front desk or children’s section. Library staff also know about community partners who host children’s book giveaways, so don’t be shy. In fact, some libraries now have “Bookmobiles,” mobile libraries that drive into different neighborhoods, and they regularly hand out free books to kids who stop by.
- Check your library’s website or calendar for upcoming giveaway events.
- Ask at the info desk about free books and reading clubs for kids.
- Bring your child to story time—sometimes, every family leaves with a book.
- Sign up for reading challenges that promise a book prize after a certain number of books are finished.
Here’s a quick look at just how much some library systems give away:
| Library System | Books Given (2024) |
|---|---|
| New York Public Library | 450,000 |
| Chicago Public Library | 110,000 |
| Los Angeles Public Library | 320,000 |
If you haven’t checked your library lately, you might be missing out on more than just story time. It’s one of the fastest ways to get free books into your child’s hands, without any hassle.
Online Programs That Send Free Books
Let’s talk about getting free books delivered right to your mailbox. Yes, this is a real thing. Some programs don’t want you to pay a cent—they just want to get kids reading. These groups have been doing it for years and they make it super simple for parents and caregivers.
One of the best-known programs is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. If you sign up and live in a participating area, your child (from birth to age 5) can get a new book mailed every month. It’s been running since 1995 and has given out more than 220 million books worldwide. That’s not a typo—220 million!
PJ Library is another treasure, especially for families who want books with Jewish themes. They’ll send a free book each month from birth through age 12, and you don’t have to be super religious to join. You just sign up and wait for book mail.
Books for Kids Foundation and First Book Partner Network don’t mail directly to homes, but if you work with schools or daycares, you can set up free book programs for groups. It’s worth bugging your school librarian or local community center to check if they’re already hooked up. Some programs like Book Rich Environments hook up low-income families with free books through housing authorities—so ask around if your area’s got something running. Early literacy matters and these groups know it.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular online programs and what they offer:
| Program | Age Range | How Often | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | 0-5 years | Monthly | Available in many US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland communities |
| PJ Library | 0-12 years | Monthly | Books with Jewish themes, free for all backgrounds |
| Read Conmigo | Pre-K—5th grade | Quarterly (when available) | Bilingual books in English/Spanish, focused on US Latine families |
Pro tip: Check the website for your local literacy council or nonprofit. Sometimes they have special offers for families or summer reading drives that’ll get you extra books for free.
Little Free Libraries and Community Swaps
Ever spotted those quirky little boxes by the sidewalk packed with books? That’s a Little Free Library. There are over 150,000 of these all over the world. The idea is simple: take a book, leave a book. But honestly, nobody’s keeping score—if your kid needs a new story, just grab one. You can use the official Little Free Library map on their website to track dozens in your town.
Community book swaps are another awesome way to grab free books for your kids. You’ll see these pop up at schools, grocery stores, or even at parks. People bring books they’re done with and swap them for something fresh. Sometimes there’s a monthly event, sometimes it’s grab-and-go. Ask around at your local rec center or check Facebook groups—parents always love to share books their kids have outgrown.
- Check Little Free Libraries on regular walks—stock changes often, especially after weekends.
- See if your child's school has a swap shelf or organizes book exchange days.
- Bring books your child has outgrown to swap events—it frees up shelf space and scores you new reads.
- Don’t be shy if you don’t have one to give—in a pinch, just take what your kid needs. Most folks are happy the books find a home.
A 2024 community survey found 62% of parents who use book swaps end up reading more with their children, compared to 44% who don’t.
| Source | How Many Sites | How Often Restocked |
|---|---|---|
| Little Free Library | 150,000 worldwide | Weekly, sometimes daily |
| Community Swaps | Varies by town | Monthly or event-based |
The beauty of these options is the mix. You get everything from classics to the latest bestsellers, often in brand new shape because kids outgrow stories so fast. So next time you walk to the park, keep your eyes peeled—you never know what you’ll find.
Book Fairs and Hidden Giveaways
Book fairs aren’t just for grabbing comics and eyeing posters. They’ve quietly become one of the top places to score free books for your kids, if you know where to look and what to ask.
Many school book fairs set up special tables loaded with free titles, especially near the end of the event. Sometimes, local businesses or nonprofit groups will sponsor a 'give a book, take a book' table right by the checkout line. Always ask the fair staff—leftover books often end up as giveaways instead of being packed away.
Beyond schools, groups like Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) have handed out more than 425 million free books at school fairs and community events since 1966. Their booths always draw a crowd, so it pays to get there early.
Community centers and churches also love doing surprise book giveaways, sometimes linked to family nights or after-school programs. And keep an eye on social media. Local moms’ groups on Facebook or Instagram announce pop-up freebie tables at weekend flea markets more often than you’d think.
To stay ahead of the crowd, follow these tips:
- Check the schedule for upcoming fairs in your area—school newsletters and city event calendars are the best source.
- Arrive in the first hour. The best free picks usually go fast.
- Ask staff directly about leftover stock—some events even have donation bins for unsold books that end up free for the taking.
- Sign up for emails from programs like First Book or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—they sometimes pop up with booths or offer discount codes for fairs.
Here’s a quick look at a few big-name groups and programs that offer free books at special events:
| Organization | How to Find Them | Annual Free Books |
|---|---|---|
| RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) | School fairs, community events | 1.5 million+ |
| Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | Mail sign-up, event booths | 2 million/month globally |
| Scholastic Book Fairs | School partnerships | Donates leftovers, offers free programs |
No need to hunt endlessly—chances are, the next big children's book giveaway is already posted in your neighborhood calendar or hiding in your inbox.