..to ask you all to raid your bookshelves?

[milkymocha]

Cheeky post.
Not really an AIBU but, posting here for the traffic.

Was on a thread a good few months ago in regards to being skint and a few wonderful mumsnetters kindly donated their childrens old/unwanted books to me.

Was wondering if any lovely mumsnetters were dusting the bookshelves and had any spare childrens books they no longer want/need?

(Iam more than happy to pay postage & donate a fee to a charity of your choice!)

Iam in Essex Mackem!
But have family in Sunderland!
We visit often in our thermals

Hi all,

We would like to remind you that it's important not to give more of yourself than you can afford, both emotionally or otherwise, as not everyone on the internet is who they claim to be. We don't mean that the OP in this case isn't genuine, we know how easy it is to get carried away with generosity though.

The libraries are great, you can buy loved but unwanted books from the children's section for 10p.

Amazon do a good line in second hand books that only cost postage o,us a penny.

Deffo join the library. A lot of them have activities for little ones too - art and stuff. Dp used to get really twitchy about messy art activities, so he used to take the dds to the library to let them be messy there instead!

you need your library.
You can borrow loads at a time, get a whole bag full and enjoy them for 3 weeks, then return.

Get your kids their own library card and then you don't get charged late returns

You can order books you want easily - eg more by the same author

Make sure you get the contact as email - they charge when they send you a letter for late books.

Also, look out for local schools summer sales, they usually have a toy/book stall.

Where are you Milky?

I would like to point out that some libraries do charge late fees for junior books.

Please check your council's website or ask your lovely helpful librarian.

But, yes use your library!

Iam in essex Steppemum!

And am genuine!!! Cheek
Mumsnet really baffles me sometimes!

Library it is.
Quite anxious at the thought of taking my very LOUD son there but, we will see. Thanks !

Definitely get yourself to a car boot sale. I've bought some fantastic books for next-to-nothing, and usually in perfect condition. They are fab for toddler toys too.

Libraries love children.

No offence intended, milkymocha.

I'm sure he won't be the first loud child they've seen in the library.

Don't worry about dc making noise in libraries. Most are just happy people are using them!

Also really good for borrowing DVDs, considering so many DVD rental places going out of line now... yes I know downloads are the way forward blah blah but still.

I have a pile of books ready to give away suitable for your age range. Reckon it would be about £50 to post them.
Just wondering why you've never been to the library before?

world of books . com is the best place to buy used books,they do heaps for charity and its good for the enviroment too.

You are in luck-essex libraries do not charge late fees for children.

Do not worry about your ds being loud; tomorrow it will be me being loud in the library - singing the wheels on the bus very badly in fact.

It's fine and yes we love to see little children and watch them grow.

Ex- librarian here. Library staff do not expect children to be silent - especially young children. It is lovely to see pre schoolers looking and choosing books. Don't be put off by stereotypical images of librarians - libraries want people to use their services! (speaking as someone who regularly took her sons to the library, one of whom was later given a statement of hyperactivity - he was rarely quiet!) . Give your local library a go- they usually have a fantastic selection of books.

Bookstart may be an option, you get free books (baby pack through health visitor and preschool pack through playgroups/nursery). Ds had some nice books in his pack.

I wasnt offended Julie!

I have been to a library before Just not for the kids! Have just googled one fairly close to me that also has a baby singing class too.
Sounds promising! Thanks all

If you go to the library, they may well have a mother and toddler/preschooler group or two already up and running OP - lots do, they do "read and rhyme" and crafts and things and are great for meeting people and making friends and you can choose books while you're there

our local library (very lucky, it is at the end of our road) isn't quiet at all. No-one has to be quiet in it. It has a children's singing time on Friday morning, and a community garden behind. My son is 10 and an avid reader, the librarians all know him (and the rest of our family) by name. When one retired recently, she invited all the regulars in on her last day to tea to say goodbye.

Very friendly places libraries in my experience

And they regularly sell off children's books for 20p

My local library is full of children - I think the days of "Shhhhhhhhhhh! You're in the library!" are well and truly gone!

Iam glad to hear that Gin! Feeling much more confident in taking them now!

I've picked up loads of reallly grwat cheap books at libraries - this is not a joke. Our local libraries often sell off the books with pages missing or scribbles on for 10p. Hardbacks and everything. Often on a trolley next to main desk in adult section. Good luck, it's lovely to have lots of nice books.

my friend volunteers i a library, the policy is that you sell any children's book which hasn't been taken out on loan for 6 months, hence the book sales

I've pm'd you, milky.