Start a tradition. Tell parents that you think that reading to children each day (and having lots of interesting books available for children) is important. Ask parents to bring in one book "each Monday" or "the first day of the month." Make good use of these extra books (for the day, for a week, or whatever you and parents decide).

Start another tradition. Ask parents to donate books their children have "outgrown" to your program. Their children may no longer be reading certain simple books but children in your care now (or at some time in the future) will enjoy them.

The price of children's paperbacks is low compared to the retail cost of hard-cover versions of the same book. Buy paperbacks when you can.

Buy children's books through the mail at discounted, sale prices. Some companies like Dover and Scholastic sell low-priced paperbacks, and Scholastic offers a discount for a sizable order; you may want to network and place a group order with parents and/or with other providers. Some companies like Daedalus Books and Edward Hamilton sell new "remaindered" hard-cover and paperback books at greatly reduced prices.

Buy children's books on sale at book fairs. Local schools may hold book fairs and there are commercial book fairs as well.  (One exampe - the Green Valley Book Fair in Virginia sells 500,000 new paperback and hard cover children's books at 60% - 90% off retail prices. They hold book fairs six times a year. Call them at 800-385-0099 for details.)

Buy children's books at library sales. Call the library in your county and libraries in surrounding counties to see if they hold annual library fund-raising sales of books. If so, you can support a good cause and pick up some real bargains.

Buy books at second-hand book stores, tag sales, and local yard sales.