I have classroom libraries on the brain…
What does your classroom library look like?
How have you organized your books?
What is the highest level of books you have available for your readers?
My largest project of the summer is to take inventory of and re-organize my classroom library. After 10 years, it’s a project I just can’t ignore any longer. I know what a huge task it is going to be so I actually started a little early. Here’s my task list for this project:
- take note of each and every book in my classroom library & add to spreadsheet
- recycle any books damaged beyond repair (some of those paper back picture books just cannot be put back together one more time)
- donate some books that I have never touched, nor have my students
- put into storage books that are far beyond the levels I want to have available in a primary classroom (if the students really want those books, they can check them out from our school library)
- regroup and label the books into their final resting place (I hope)
I have quite a variety of random baskets to hold all of my book sets. I’m looking into different ideas for decorating next year. I’m trying to pick a color scheme so everything looks pulled together. I found these two classrooms via Pinterest. I think the way they decorated is effective because of the color schemes they chose:
School Girl Style
Dandelions and Dragonflies
For the individual student book tubs, I snagged a bunch of these years ago at a Target when they were on sale. I even had a store clerk round up all of the ones from the back room. Then I went to another Target near our house to get more. I now have a class set – one for each student to have their own book tub. I’m not sure if Target still sells them or not. The brand is Sterilite.
As for labeling the different book tubs, I’m going to use these FREE polka dot labels from TpT. Again, just need to choose a color. Thank you, Karen Cox for creating these for others to use.

I need those, too!!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Thanks bunches for stopping by my blog…I'm now following you…can't wait to take a look around! Welcome to blogging – you'll LOVE it!
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I came over to return the favor and your blog is so cute š
Journey of a Substitute Teacher
Your newest follower!
My library is 8 years old. I have it organized by big topics (nonfiction, math, animal fiction, chapter books). It is not organized by reading levels so I really cannot answer that š I am in need of labels myself.
My Second Sense
Thanks for following me. Love your blog too! Can't wait to look around on it some more. Wonderful ideas!
I'm working on my library this summer too! You might check out the comments on my last post for some tips, too… š
http://luckeyfrogslilypad.blogspot.com/search/label/library
Jenny