National Book Month: 8 Ways Military Children Can Get Books for Free
October 9, 2023
National Book Month is an excellent time to highlight the numerous programs and initiatives that make literature accessible to military children. These efforts not only promote literacy but also provide a sense of comfort, connection, and adventure to the youngest members of our military community. Whether through physical books, digital resources, or heartfelt videos from deployed parents, the following programs ensure that military kids have the opportunity to explore the magical world of reading.
Military-Affiliated Programs
United Through Reading
United Through Reading connects military families separated by deployment through the power of storytelling. UTR provides service members who are separated from their families the opportunity to record videos of themselves reading children’s books. These videos and a physical, mailed copy of the book are then shared with their children back home. Shared storytime bridges the physical and relational gap between parent and child and creates cherished moments of connection. Check out the many book options here!
Blue Star Books
Blue Star Books program partners with libraries on military bases and provides free books to military children through their community events. This initiative creates reading-friendly environments within the military community, fostering a love for books among young readers. These libraries offer a wide range of books suitable for different age groups, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Operation Paperback
Operation Paperback is an initiative that collects and distributes gently used books to military service members and families. This program not only supports children here at home but also provides reading materials as a source of relaxation and recreation for service members deployed around the world. Operation Paperback highlights fiction and nonfiction titles for older readers. Participants will receive gently used paperback books by mail by simply filling out an online form and designating genres of interest, the number of books requested, and a start and end date for delivery.
General Initiatives
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Founded by the legendary country singer Dolly Parton, Imagination Library mails free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family’s income. While it’s not specific to military families, it serves as an excellent resource for military parents to access free books for their young children. Registration is easy but does require using your child’s social security number to verify their status. To date, over 2.6 million children are registered and receiving monthly books.
Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read, a nationwide program, partners with healthcare providers to promote early literacy. During well-child visits, children receive a new, age-appropriate book to take home, fostering a culture of reading from a young age. This initiative benefits military children and reaches children across the nation. The next time you take your child to a pediatric healthcare visit, ask your provider if they participate in this program.
Digital Resources
Military One Source Digital Library
This comprehensive digital library offers an extensive collection of e-books and audiobooks for military families. From classic tales to contemporary favorites, children can explore a wide variety of titles suitable for their age group. This digital resource allows military children to enjoy literature from the convenience of their electronic devices.
Scholastic for Children
Scholastic’s Home Base offers young readers a wide range of digital resources. With interactive e-books and engaging educational materials, children can expand their reading horizons while having fun. Scholastic’s online platform provides a wealth of literary adventures sorted by early learning, elementary, middle, and high school.
Kanopy Kids
Kanopy Kids is a streaming platform that provides free access to quality children’s content, including a vast collection of educational videos and storybooks. This resource is ideal for families seeking to combine digital entertainment and educational opportunities for their children. Keep in mind you’ll need a local library card to create and access an account on Kanopy.
While these organizations and initiatives can be a great starting point for gathering reading materials, don’t forget that free books can also be found in other ways. Locate your town’s Little Free Libraries, host a book swap or book party to exchange books with friends, or consider enrolling in summer reading programs at the public library or a local bookstore.