Finding Homeschool Used Books

You can find homeschool used books. Where you go depends on what you are looking for. It is important to have a list of textbooks, fiction, biographies, magazines, and other curriculum needs that you have.

Local Bookstores

Before the internet I went bought books at Homeschool Potpourri. It is a bookstore in the Seattle area. The store only sells homeschool used books. Take your used materials and sell them on consignment.  When your books sell you receive credit to use on purchases. The last time I checked the bookstore is still in business.

Half Priced Books is another place to look for curriculum. The store is organized in sections. The store will also buy your used curriculum. If there is not a physical store in your neighborhood you can shop online. Half Price Books has a textbook area where you can find materials for homeschooling.

Garage Sales and Thrift Stores

There are other places to look for used materials. You never know what you will find at garage sales. A lot of the time you can find children's books. Sometimes you might find slightly used workbooks. There might be educational games and puzzles. Sometimes you can find software.

At a thrift store I have found picture books, Childcraft, and Nancy Drew. The books I found were in good shape. I have also seen magazines such as National Geographic. You may find educational games and puzzles.

Libraries and Public Schools

Most libraries sell used books and magazines. Most of the books are older books that have been withdrawn from the library shelves. Contact your library to see if they have an annual book sale.

My library has a bin of donated used magazines that you can take for free. We have found National Geographic, Astronomy, and Country Living.
 
Sometimes public schools sell used computers, textbooks, and furniture that they no longer plan to use. Sometimes homeschoolers borrow school materials. Check with your district about sales and borrowing materials.

Family and Friends

Many homeschool friends have materials that they are no longer using. Ask if you can borrow materials or buy them. If you do not have friends you join a cooperative in your area. Some groups have used book sales sometime during the year.

Internet

If you cannot find the curriculum or books that you are looking for locally, you use the internet. There are several places to buy  homeschool used books.
 
I have used Amazon both for used books and new merchandise. I have been satisfied with my purchases.  The sellers rank their materials as either like new, very good, or acceptable. There is usually a picture of the item and a small description. You can also sell your used books on Amazon.

You can also buy and sell on Craigslist. Besides books you can find furniture for your schoolroom. Or you can buy used music instruments or sports equipment.

Paperback Swap is a member's website where you list books you want to get rid of. Then you can receive credit for books that you want. The only cost involved is when you send your books to someone who wants them.

Another idea is to join forums and Facebook groups. Sometimes members list used materials.

Renting Homeschool Used Books

It is possible now to rent curriculum. At Homeschool Book Renter you can rent textbooks for 10 months. The site is organized into subjects.  If you want a math book or science book you should look under those sections. Each section lists books and the cost of renting. You can even buy some of the material.

Before using the service I would see if I could buy the book for the same price.

There are many places where you can find homeschool used books and other materials.

Leave Used Books for Homeschooling costs

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