Classroom Library Organization

The number one topic I have seen on lots of posts this summer classroom library organization. I completely get it. Every year I tell myself I need to find something easy that works.

I have tried leveling the books, putting colors on them, and having a library monitor fix them at the end of the day. The truth is why do we care? This library is for their FREE reading time. Why does it matter where the books are or what they look like?

I can guarantee that they aren’t thinking I need to find a book on my level, or I need a fantasy book. They just want to find something that looks fun to read.

The New Way

A few years ago, I was determined to have an organized library. I found Learning In Wonderland’s Instagram and fell in love with how organized everything is. SWOON! I broke down and bought her library labeling system. You could make your own and use colors, shapes, and animals, the sky is the limit! I bought the clear tags from Target Dollar Spot and the baskets are from Dollar Tree. My cube is from Ikea.

I didn’t categorize them at all. Just printed the labels plus some extra and just started filling up the bins. Quick tip- keep the extra labels in a folder that is by the library. That way when I get new books in, I can just see what bins aren’t full, and the labels are done! EASY!

How I Implement It

The first few years I spent a lot of time teaching them how to use the library and where to put the books. Now as soon as they complete their reading stamina they can access the library. This year I am planning on putting up caution tape to build excitement!!

I tell them what the labels mean, but I am not how I used to be.  This is free time for them, and I want them to be exposed to all different genres and levels as they are searching for the book they want.

You probably want to know about their leveled readers that we use in small group or how they put their books back. Welp, once we finish their leveled reader they take it home or they keep it in their book bag if it is a school book. I recently moved and do not have book boxes. They got backordered and I ended up cancelling them. HONESTLY, I didn’t miss them. I didn’t miss the mess or the hoarding of books that they never looked at.

Once they are done with the book or it’s time to clean up, they just go and put it back. I do have a job in my class to tidy up the library, but that is just straightening up the books or rug.

Big Books

Another area I have in the library is a laundry hamper with big books in it. Is anyone not a big book fan? I put the curriculum big books in here with pointers nearby. They LOVE reading these enormous books!

Don’t overthink it and if you don’t believe me just watch your students. See where they put their books and if they ever go back to them and keep reading or do they want to get another one? I want them to love to go to our library area and love reading, not feel stressed. Drop your favorite library tip in the comments below.