Second Hand Book Stores Help You Beat Bedtime Boredom

At my house, we try to start bedtime as close to 8 pm as possible. And every night we read 3 books. It’s the same schedule we started with my oldest and continue with my youngest even though there is a seven year gap between them. Many of the books were favorites I kept from my oldest son and continue to read to my youngest. I’ve read some of them so many times that both of us can recite each page from heart. And much to Marie Kondo’s dismay, I think I’m going to keep (most of) these books. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to read them to my grandchildren one day. But many books do not “bring me joy” and are not worthy of taking up precious space on the bookshelf. Those books get donated or traded in for new ones.

Although I love hanging out in bookstores, I hate to pay full price for kids’ books, especially when they can be such a hit or miss with kids. Many of the books I love don’t always resonate with my sons and many of the books they love end up in the tedium of being read every night. I needed new books to persuade my little one from wanting to read NO DAVID! every day for the next year! I need variety! I have found much success with trading books at the Book Rack. They have a great children’s corner in the back of the store where I have found some real winners, and the price is right!      

Here are my top 3 places to find discounted books around town:

• Book Rack – Located on the west side. I even have them call me when they get in new Ranger’s Apprentice books for my older son. They will buy your old books, which I use to pay for the new ones. Website:  thebookrack.com
• Once Upon a Child – This is a kids’ consignment shop also located on the west side. They don’t give you much for books and clothes but they do have a decent selection of used books worth perusing.
• Goodwill – These stores have a good selection of used books, especially the Goodwill Chatham location on Plummer Blvd. This location boasts a large selection of kids’ books and comfy sofas to read them in. Plus, it’s attached to an ice cream/coffee store called Scoop du Jour. That’s a win/win in my book!

Submitted by Springfield mom Robyn Gilman Opaslky.