10+ Ways for Kids to Get Free Books by Mail or In-Store

Looking for fun, free books your kids can actually keep? Whether you’re building a home library or just want to encourage more reading, we’ve rounded up the best places to score totally free books—no library card, no catch. These programs mail books to your door or offer rewards in-store, and they’re perfect for kids of all ages!

Libraries are awesome for discovering new books—but let’s be honest, sometimes your kid falls in love with a story and doesn’t want to give it back! Whether it’s a favorite bedtime read or a book they want to go through again and again, having their own copy can make reading even more fun.

The good news? There are plenty of ways for kids to get totally free books they can keep forever—no late fees, no due dates, and no library card required.

Collage of children's book covers with colorful illustrations.

1. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Gotta love Dolly! Kids from birth to age 5 can get a free book mailed to them every month through this amazing program. It’s available in many states—just plug in your ZIP code on their site to see if your area is covered.

2. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Each summer, kids in grades 1–6 can read and log 8 books, then bring their completed journal to a participating store and pick out a free book from a curated list.

3. Pizza Hut Book It! Program

Perfect for homeschoolers and teachers. Kids set reading goals and earn a free personal pan pizza each month! There’s also a digital library full of free books and resources.

4. Read Conmigo (for Bilingual Families)

This program offers free bilingual (English/Spanish) books for kids in K–5. Books are mailed out a few times per year to eligible families.

5. Books-A-Million Summer Reading Program

Kids read 4 books from their summer list, fill out a reading journal, and bring it to a store for a free gift (usually a book or small prize).

6. Little Free Libraries

These take-a-book, leave-a-book boxes are popping up everywhere! No need to leave one first—kids can grab a book to keep or trade later. Use the map on their site to find a box near you.

7. Book Giveaway Facebook Groups

Check your local parenting or homeschool groups, and even Buy Nothing groups. People often post gently used kids’ books up for grabs. It’s a great way to build a home library for free.

8. First Book Marketplace (for Teachers & Nonprofits)

If your child’s school or a local nonprofit qualifies, they might receive books from First Book—a nonprofit that donates and discounts books for low-income families and educators.

9. Local Literacy Drives Inspired by Dolly Parton

Even if you’re not in an Imagination Library zip code, many local groups (like United Way) run free book giveaways at schools, pediatrician offices, and community events.

10. Author & Publisher Freebies

Some authors and small publishers run free book giveaways or send out physical books if you join their email list or follow them on social media. You can also find free kids book offers on trusted sites like SwagGrabber.

11. Friends & Family Pass-Alongs

Kids grow fast—and so do their bookshelves. Let friends, cousins, grandparents, or neighbors know you’re happy to take any books their kids have outgrown.

Most people love passing along stories that were once loved, and it’s a great way to build your own collection without spending a dime. You can even start a mini book-swap tradition within your circle!

Want more? Check out our full collection of freebies for kids here.