Do not display too many at one time, or the center will overwhelm and overstimulate. Too few books will make your center look boring to a child. Create an enticing area by providing a wide variety of books. Rotate the books in your center on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, to keep children's interests high. Let me stress that in NO way should a book center replace the time that an adult should spend reading aloud to children.
Research shows that children who are read to consistently become earlier readers and avid readers.
A love of reading is instilled by example. The books are read aloud on a regular basis, often pertaining to that week's theme. As you plan your book center and choose the books, keep in mind that variety is important. You don't need to go out and buy a hundred books at one time, rather, pick up a few at a time. You can contact book clubs, such as Scholastic and Troll, and earn free books when you and your daycare families purchase books.