The library is one of the most important parts of a classroom. Providing students with interesting, easy-to-find choices inside your library is the key to getting students to read. The good news is setting up your classroom library requires only a few basic items and a little organization.
Library Organization Tips
Storage
First, you need to decide how to store your books. I use several bookshelves, plastic tubs, and a display rack to promote special thematic books throughout the year. Once your staples are in place, I recommend adding a rug and cozy pillows to make the library more inviting. To add a personal touch, I made t-shirt pillows from our school shirts and crate seats with fabric that tied into the rest of our classroom. Your library should feel inviting so students want to curl up with their books and stay a while.
Sorting
Next, it’s time to get organized by sorting your books into tubs. Ours are sorted by topic, genre, author, and popular series books. Each tub should be clearly labeled to help students browse the library. I created simple basket labels on the computer with different colors for fiction and nonfiction. I used bright colors and a variety of fonts to make the labels unique and visually appealing. Here’s the best part; I added typed return address stickers with the basket label on the back corner of each book. When our classroom librarians return the books, they simply match the sticker to a basket’s label if they aren’t sure where a book should go. Ensuring the books are always in the correct basket helps students browse the library and find books quickly so they can spend most of their time reading.
Checkout System
Finally, you will need a checkout system. I use library pockets in the back of our books to hold index cards with the book titles on them. When students check out books, they write their names on the index cards and put the index cards in a labeled pocket chart by my desk. This is a great system because I can easily glance at the pocket chart to see what each student is reading. It also prevents many books from becoming lost.
Cataloging
For extra credit, you might consider cataloging your books. I have an excel sheet with each book’s information on it to help keep our library organized and relevant to my students’ needs. I can easily sort my books by genre, theme, series, author, etc. This makes pulling books for units fast and efficient. It’s also been useful to have this list while trying to fill the gaps in my offerings. For example, I realized I didn’t have nearly enough biographies after I sorted my books by genre. Using the list, I’m able to spend money wisely and purchase books that will continually improve our library’s inventory.
Setting up a classroom library takes some time, but maintaining it is easy once you have a system in place. You can do it!
About the Author
Christi Fultz is a third grade teacher in Indiana with a master’s degree in elementary education and a reading specialist license. Reading and writing are her favorite subjects, but she loves creating hands-on math lessons too. Follow her blog, Ms. Fultz’s Corner, for classroom organization tips, literacy resources, reading strategies, writing mini-lessons, math games, freebies, and more. You can also find her on Facebook.
Valerie says
Really great ideas, Christi!
Thanks!
Heather Bridges says
I am working on organizing my library now! Thank you for the post!
Samantha says
Great article. Love your tips!
Samantha
Tara Gunnarschja says
Great Article thanks
Mary McGough says
Awesome idea. I am reorganizing my library this year.
Julie P. says
great ideas. Am thinking of purchasing this cart!
Melissa says
I like the chedkout idea. I wonder how well it would work with 1st graders.
Heather Morris says
Ms. Fultz has great ideas! I love the crate seats, and the t-shirt pillows are so creative! Thank you for sharing your ideas with all of us! Your ideas are “Really Good Stuff!”
Christi Fultz says
You’re welcome!
Melissa, I used the index cards with my second grade class. I’m sure first graders could do it too with a little guidance.
After I scheduled this post last month, I also found out about Classroom Organizer. It’s a FREE online checkout system through your computer. http://classroom.booksource.com/account/login.aspx
Keep Learning!
Christi ?
Ms. Fultz’s Corner
Robin Klein says
Thank you for your suggestions. I have never tried an actual checkout system, but might be interested in implementing one in the future.
Adrianne says
I love the idea of doing checkout cards. My tutoring students like to borrow books from me and sometimes I lose track of where the books have gone. You’ve inspired me to do better!
Nicole Solimine says
I think I am going to start reimagining my classroom library before the school year is out! Thank you for the inspiration!
Christen Foote says
I love this idea and you are correct about sorting your books by genre. You realize just what you have and don’t have after that! Now to keep the books organized all year long like that would be great!
Karen says
I love the pocket idea for the book cards! Organizing my library has been on my list for some time–thanks for the great ideas.
Susan Fletcher says
I need all the help I can get with organization. I have taught for 28 years and have moved classrooms the past 4 years! Now I wish I had less stuff and MORE organization!!!
Mrs. Simons says
Although part of me doesn’t want to think about how I’m going to set up NEXT year, I am so glad you’ve posted this when I actually have time to think about it and time to do something about it. Great ideas! Thanks!
Linda says
Great ideas! Can’t wait to implement your ideas, Christi!
Kimberly Collatos says
What a great idea! I will definitely be trying this.
Shelli777 says
Helpful tips!
April McNair says
Lots of great ideas! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Leea says
Thanks for all the great tips!
Annette says
I too am organizing my library this summer. I am using an app on my iphone to scan the barcodes and up pops the picture and the information about each book. The categories I use in the classroom bins are the categories I scan the books in, so hopefully I will be able to find what I need! (fingers crossed)
Melissa says
I recently ordered book boxes and can’t wait to use your advice. Cute clocks, too!
Shar W says
Great ideas! I need to rethink the organization of my classroom library.
Linda says
Thanks so much for the great ideas! I also like the checkout cards. It is a great way to know what the kids have checked out and keep track of your books. Thanks!!
Mary Lou Varela says
I use a similar system for organizing books. Putting a sticker on a book that coincides with a matching sticker on a basket makes returning classroom books to their original location much easier for the students. Thank you for the reminder that kids love cozy areas to read their books.
Yailet says
Thank you for sharing these great tips!