School is out, but for many kids, a new assignment has begun. The dreaded summer reading list is looming over their heads. Don't spend lots of money purchasing each and every book that needs to be read. Consider some of these alternatives.
Take Advantage of the Library
The local library is a great tool to use when acquiring the books needed for summer reading. If available, use the library's website to check the online catalog. Libraries have a large selection of books. Search by the title or the name of the author to see if the book(s) are available. Books can also be reserved to give patrons time to come and pick them up. Also, check to see if the library networks with other libraries to find books that patrons need.
The library option is completely free. It only takes a library card and maybe a few trips to the library, depending on the number of books needed and when they become available. Because this is the most cost effective way to save money on summer reading, remember, there are other families that will be planning the same thing.
On the downside, the library limits the amount of time that a book can be checked out. It's best to begin the book as soon as it is borrowed and finish up before it becomes due. Procrastination isn't an option when it comes to checking out summer reading books.
Shop at a Second Hand Bookstore
Purchasing a book new from the bookstore can be costly and if kids need numerous books, the spending can add up. Search the neighborhood to find a second hand bookstore to purchase the books from. Usually, used books can be found for half the price of a new book. The condition of the book doesn't need to be pristine, but make sure that is is readable. Many used bookstores also take book in for trade credit. In this case, clean out the bookshelves for books no one reads anymore and take them down to get credit towards the purchase of the summer reading books. When those books are done, trade them in for something different.
On the down side, a second hand bookstore usually doesn't have the inventory of Barnes and Noble or Borders. The selection depends on what books are traded in for others. Think about calling in advance to see if the books needed are available. If not, it may be time to consider another option. There is no guarantee that the book will come in and be there in time to read before school starts.
Share the Cost of the Books
At the end of the school year, most families are in the same predicament. Everyone is looking for the same books for kids to read over summer vacation. Take advantage of this by partnering up with other parents. Depending on the number of people participating, each family can purchase one or more of the books needed. As the kids finish the books, they are rotated over to the next family. At the end of the summer, the books are returned to the original family.
The cost of summer reading books is cut considerable when sharing with other families. Because there are multiple kids reading the same book and it is passing through numerous hands, there is a chance that the book will not make it all the way through the rotation or that is will cycle through late. If considering the sharing option, be sure to set up dates in advance to trade the books. This gives everyone involved a clear timeline.
The best way to save money on summer reading is to work through a combination of these options. Begin at the used bookstore with other families, each purchasing some of the needed books. These books can be passed around the group. Next, make a stop at the library to check out or pick up the books that were not available at the library. If there are limited copies of the books, return the book at the same time another parent plans to check it out. While these ideas may take more time and effort, they can easily save families the cost of multiple books for summer reading.
Angela Sauber - Angela Sauber is a graduate of the University of Arizona and former middle school teacher. She is a full time parent to two children ...
