getting kids book while on vacation

[fac]

I will be in Orlando for 3 weeks. Currently, I am getting my kids to read a lot.
I really do not want the routine to stop for a few weeks. As we will be flying, hence I really do not want to bring a lot of books.

I assume I cannot check out books from the library in Orlando, are there any other options?

thanks

 

[merekc]

Hit a thriftstore. Books are about $.50 at most of ours.

 

[mom2brina]

There is another option, but not an inexpensive one. The Kindle or the Sony eReader are great options for bringing a bunch of books along on vacation without toting a lot of bulk and weight.

 

[fac]

thanks. Does anyone know where I can find a thriftstore in Orlando?
I will be looking books for a 8 and a 10 years old.

mom2brina
thanks the kindle idea is good, but I thought it is too expensive.

 

[merekc]

Another options would be audio books. I would assume you can load them to your MP3 player if you have one. There was an audio book that came in a Wendy's kids meal recently. I've been shocked how much my kids enjoy listening to it (to the point that I could quote "Word Girl"). It has also had them asking for definitions of words and broadening their vocabulary. I will be looking for more audio books to take along on our next trip.

 

[NotUrsula]

The two public library systems that serve Orlando are Orange County PL and Osceola County PL. The closest to WDW is the Celebration Branch of Osceola Co. PL.

Osceola has a Visitor membership fee of $15. From their website:

Visitors may purchase a non-resident card for $15.00. The card is valid for a year from purchase date. Proof of permanent address is required.

http://www.osceolalibrary.org/howdoi.html#1

Orange County also has a visitor membership, but it's more pricey:

Fee Cards are available to anyone residing outside of our service area. The fee card will provide access to our circulating material on the shelf, remote access to databases and provide access to computer use in any of our locations. Fee cards are non-refundable and are available for 3 months ($75), 6 months ($100) or for one year ($125).

http://www.ocls.info/Card/Default.asp?bhcp=1

I personally take library books from home for the kids, but I insist on paperbacks. You can always call and renew them from wherever you are (as long as you have your card number), but many libraries will extend the due date up front if you tell them that you will be out of town during the loan period.

 

[fac]

thanks for the great ideas.

Merekc, yes, we have mp3 players and will look for some audio books, it will help even at home

NotUrsula, I will definitely check out the non-resident card. DD8 does not stop when she picks up a book she likes, she can finish at least 4 books a week, it will be a lot of books for me to bring.

 

[Gillennj]

You could always ship a bunch of books to your destination. You could send them media rate, which would be cheap--provided you have enough lead time.

You could then ship them back, or donate them locally.

 

[2Blue1Pink]

Another idea is to purchase a paperback anthology (collection of stories all in one book). They have many out there and this way you could just bring one thick paperback for each child. Good luck!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

We love the audiobooks, esp as it lets my dyslexic son listen to books on his grade level (or above) when his reading level is below his grade.

Audible.com is a great source for books and they have a website just for kids books (audiblekids.com). The cheapest way to buy audiobooks there is to get a membership ($7.50 per mo first 3 mos, around $15.00/mo after, with one free book per mo). Once you use your free credit you still get 30% off their price, which is less than buying the cds in the store. Just watch how you spend your credits. Many of the kids books I've downloaded have only been $8 with the member discount, and I never used my free credits for those. I saved the credits for things like Dragon Rider (Cornelia Funke), which was 10 cds and $20+.

 

[PinkRhombus]

Not much can fit in that flat zipper pocket on the front of suitcases....except books!

 

[Siouxstone]

You could always ship a bunch of books to your destination. You could send them media rate, which would be cheap--provided you have enough lead time.

You could then ship them back, or donate them locally.

Or you could leave them in the laundry room at the resort with a "free to good home" sign. I tend to take paperbacks that I already own or buy used, that way I have no worries about leaving them behind. I get the space and weight in my suitcase for souvies going home and someone gets a great book.

 

[FLAngie]

Our library (and many others) have a small section of books for sale for $.50 to $1. We always buy a few before we leave and then when we get to our destination we take the books we have read to a nearby library to donate. We can usually find new ones to purchase there as well. You might want to try calling your local library and one of the Orlando libraries to see if they have any post-circulation books for sale.

 

[EthansMom]

I'd recommend taking two or three thicker, more challenging books that the kids might be interested in sharing. For instance, Harry Potter?

Also, if you pack personal paperback books, you could always leave them in the lobby of the resort for someone else to read when you leave. I've done that on cruises... take a stack of books in my luggage. As I read the books, I leave them in the ships' library for someone else to read. By the end of the cruise, I've read most of my books and have more room in my luggage for souvenirs.

Check out your local used bookstore or http://www.paperbackswap.com for used books!

 

[HunnyBunny]

I'd recommend taking two or three thicker, more challenging books that the kids might be interested in sharing. For instance, Harry Potter?

Also, if you pack personal paperback books, you could always leave them in the lobby of the resort for someone else to read when you leave. I've done that on cruises... take a stack of books in my luggage. As I read the books, I leave them in the ships' library for someone else to read. By the end of the cruise, I've read most of my books and have more room in my luggage for souvenirs.

Check out your local used bookstore or http://www.paperbackswap.com for used books!

I've used paperbackswap and dvdswap with success. You could even request those to be sent to your hotel along the same lines as the PP mentioned shipping books.

Another idea is buying some kid friendly magazines at B&N or before you go, such as National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, Highlights, depending on age and interests. Those magazines usually have some puzzles too, to keep the kids busy. If you do make it to a thrift store, they usually have a bunch of these types of mags as well.

 

[sparkyboy]

I tend to hit the half-price book store or also our public library has an area that sells "used" books for .25 each. you might check to see if your public library sells gently used books and then slip them in the zipper area of the suitcases and then leave them. Also, what about age appropriate magazines, crossword puzzles, and also audio books? Good luck because nothing beats a great reader.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I haven't investigated this fully yet, but our library just started doing online/downloadable audiobook rentals. (My understanding is you download them and the file deletes itself or something Mission Impossiblish like that after the week.) You can do up to 3 at a time per card. If you did the first set the week before you left, they'd "use up" after your trip. If you have internet access, you could download a new set.

 

[Tanzanite]

If you have a rental car Target or Walmart have cheaper priced books.