Time Well Spent

Reading time is definitely one of the finer things in life in our home. We all love to read, even those of us who don't know how to read yet.

Eric and I spent many of our dating days at our favorite coffee house, curled up with books and coffee in front of the fire place. Now most of our reading time is in bed as we drift off to sleep, but we still cherish that time together.

Isabelle has become a book fiend. She spends an average of at least 3 hours a night reading before we insist she turn off her lights. She reads during the day and in the car. This is the stack of books next to her bed.
Whenever Isabelle pulls out a book and sits down to read, all of the the other have to get in on the action too.Books pop up in the most unusual places. Our bookshelves are sparse, but the number of books is not, so we store them wherever we can. And it's probably a good thing we don't have more bookshelves, because they never stay organized. Eric and I really try, but the kids just can't help themselves.Eric and I are looking forward to the days when the whole family will curl up together on the couch with our books. Reading together...definitely a finer thing!

Here are a few frugal tips on stocking the family library:

1. For Eric, Isabelle and myself, books are always the first thing to fill up our gift lists. We keep a running list of books we'd like to own and whenever someone needs a gift idea, we suggest one of those books.
2. We rarely buy a book unless we've read it from the library first. All of us love to re-read books, so when we find a book we really love, we know it might be a worthwhile purchase at some point.
3. We scour thrift store shelves for books. Our local Salvation Army sells most of their books for $3 or less, and most of the paperbacks are $.50-$1.00 at most. It may take some digging, but it is so worthwhile.
4. Like thrift stores, used book sales at the library are a wonderful resource if you're willing to spend the time digging.
   
5. Unfortunately we do not have any used book stores in our area, but whenever we do come across one, we try to stop in. A lot of used book stores have a trade-in program where you can sell them books you no longer want in return for a store credit to buy some more books.
6. Garage sales are a wonderful resource for books for our little kids.

Stop by Biblical Womanhood for more Frugal Friday.

And make sure you stop by Amy's Finer Things where my friend Amy is starting a new weekly meme; "Finer Things Friday." Share something you consider a finer thing in life and link up!