How to Set Up Your Classroom Library So It Stays Organized and Functional All Year Long
Even if your library won’t get as much use as you’d like this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to revamp the organization of your shelves! And if just the thought of redoing your library gives you a headache, read on! Because, trust me, organizing a classroom library does not have to be difficult.
I am all about keeping things simple but effective. When it comes to secondary library shelves, I have found that you don’t need the fancy book labels or dozens of color-coordinated bins to make your library fun and functional.
What you might need is a small chunk of time (or an even smaller chunk if you have a helping hand), about five plastic dollar store baskets, and, if you’re feeling super motivated, a quick trip to Goodwill.
Here are the steps I took to create a classroom library that my students and I love.
I assessed the books I had, considered my students, and determined five categories I wanted to use for book baskets. I chose books for each category and put them aside. Book baskets in my classroom library highlight a handful of great novels within popular genres in my room. I feel that too many bins are overwhelming and prevent students from seeing every title easily. But I also believe that without bins to break up the stacks, the lines and lines of book spines are daunting and intimidating to reluctant and struggling readers. Book baskets are like a speedy checkout line for kiddos who don’t have the stamina or willingness to look through dozens and dozens of titles. The book basket categories I have currently include:
Sports Novels
Romance
Historical Fiction
Classroom Favorites
Graphic novels
2. Next, I recruited my fiancé e to help me take the books off my shelves and alphabetize them by author’s last name. I simply set the books into 26 different piles. Within those piles, I didn’t worry about truly alphabetizing every single name within each initial because I wanted the shelves to be easy to maintain throughout the year.
3. Then, I designated a spot for book checkout and a book return bin. While I’ve always liked my simple paper checkout clipboard, this year I’m trying Booksource, and I’m so excited about it! It’s an online catalog of all your books so students can check them in and out online and even rate each title they read! Downloading the Booksource app, Classroom Organization, made scanning each title into my online library super quick and fun! Try it out, and let me know what you think!
4. Finally, I added some personal touches, like a few framed reading posters, Michael’s clearance rack finds, and Goodwill bookends!
That’s it! Simple, functional, and easy to maintain. Take some pressure off yourself, friends. Classroom library organization does not need to be a week-long project.
Happy organizing!
♥ Kara & Riley
P.S.~ If you’re thinking, “Ok, my library is set up. Now what?” Head on over to this post to read about how I manage independent reading in my room!
