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How to Read Children's Books for Free

Scientific research and statistical reports over the last decade all agree that reading to children as young as six months of age stimulates brain development and increases student performance in school. Giving your child access to lots of books will create a reading-friendly home and encourage the development of a healthy reading habit. However, maintaining your own library is expensive. A more cost effective alternative is to use the many free books available in your local community and on the Internet.

Things You'll Need

  • Library card
  • CD or audio player
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit the children's section of your community library. The department librarian can show you where to find specific types of books and teach you to use the library database or card catalog to find books by topic, author or title.

    • 2

      Sign up for a free library card. You will need to show identification and usually proof of residency for your community. Books can only be checked out if you have a valid library card.

    • 3

      Select a variety of books to check out and read at home. Try picture books, a book about science, crafts, poetry, or a chapter book or biography. A diverse selection will help to establish preferences, yet provide an opportunity to learn new things.

    • 4

      Ask the librarian how to use the library's website. Many libraries have a database you can search from your home computer using your library card number as a password. Electronic picture books and audio books are often available for free. Download audio files and burn to a CD or upload to any audio player and children can listen to books anywhere.

    • 5

      Access additional free books via the Internet. Several sites provide free texts to users. Most of these books are older, out-of-print texts, but provide hours of reading. Some books are lavishly illustrated or give the option to view the book in any selected language.

    • 6

      Read favorite children's classics on handheld electronic devices that provide books as a free software application. The software will hold your page between reading sessions and scroll the text continuously so you don't need to turn pages.

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