How to Organize a Classroom Library
Determine what you have., Collect as many books as possible., Install half shelves for small children., Install vertical shelving for small areas., Use bins for children's books.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine what you have.
Before you start labeling shelves and bins, you'll want to figure out exactly what you have.
Put all your books together in one area, and sort them into overall categories.Sort your books into 3 main categories: books to use now, books to store for later, and books to give away. -
Step 2: Collect as many books as possible.
Get Books.
Visit a few yard sales, and buy boxes of books in bulk.
Cover a wide range of subjects, including fiction and non-fiction titles.
Register with an educational publisher.
If you aren't a teacher, try to find a teacher from your school who already has an account.
Ask school librarians if they have any superfluous books that they plan to get rid of.
Contact your local city library.
Many branches hold an annual book sale.
Check online for used children's books.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and thriftbooks.com all carry discounted used books.
Half-price books is place you can find good bargains.
Purchase duplicate copies of popular books. , For an elementary school reading library, shelves with only two rows are best.
You can use the top of the shelf for display items, and the children will be able to reach al the books.Use half shelves to section off one portion of the classroom for quiet reading time.
You'll be able to see over the shelves easily, so you can watch over the kids using the area. , If you have a limited area to work with, consider tall, slender shelving units.
Alternatively, you can use revolving racks that house a large number of books in a small area., Books for small children are often oversized, so they may not fit on regular book shelves.
They are also usually slender books, so it can be difficult to read the titles on the spines.
A system of storage bins works much better for these, and the kids will find it easier to access them. -
Step 3: Install half shelves for small children.
-
Step 4: Install vertical shelving for small areas.
-
Step 5: Use bins for children's books.
Detailed Guide
Before you start labeling shelves and bins, you'll want to figure out exactly what you have.
Put all your books together in one area, and sort them into overall categories.Sort your books into 3 main categories: books to use now, books to store for later, and books to give away.
Get Books.
Visit a few yard sales, and buy boxes of books in bulk.
Cover a wide range of subjects, including fiction and non-fiction titles.
Register with an educational publisher.
If you aren't a teacher, try to find a teacher from your school who already has an account.
Ask school librarians if they have any superfluous books that they plan to get rid of.
Contact your local city library.
Many branches hold an annual book sale.
Check online for used children's books.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and thriftbooks.com all carry discounted used books.
Half-price books is place you can find good bargains.
Purchase duplicate copies of popular books. , For an elementary school reading library, shelves with only two rows are best.
You can use the top of the shelf for display items, and the children will be able to reach al the books.Use half shelves to section off one portion of the classroom for quiet reading time.
You'll be able to see over the shelves easily, so you can watch over the kids using the area. , If you have a limited area to work with, consider tall, slender shelving units.
Alternatively, you can use revolving racks that house a large number of books in a small area., Books for small children are often oversized, so they may not fit on regular book shelves.
They are also usually slender books, so it can be difficult to read the titles on the spines.
A system of storage bins works much better for these, and the kids will find it easier to access them.
About the Author
Janet Freeman
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in pet care and beyond.
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