Creating and Managing Your Classroom Library

 
 
Putting Together a Library
 
 
Ideas for obtaining books:
 
  -Ask for donations from students and parents.
   
  -Ask for donations from community members. Inside the book place a nameplate that recognizes the donor.
   
  -Visit tag sales for used books.
   
  -Visit "Friends of the Library" book sales. Oftentimes you can pick up books for $1.
   
  -Ask retiring teachers for donations.
 
 
Managing Your Library
 
 
Ideas for keeping track of books that are "checked out" by students:
 
  -Create an index card for each book. Keep the cards filed alphabetically. When a student checks out a book, she writes her name and the date she took the book. These cards go into a separate file box, again alphabetically. You can see at a glance who has a particular book out.
 
  -Place a card pocket (with card) on the inside cover of each book. Write the title of the book on the card. When a student wants to check out a book, she writes her name on the card. Cards are kept in a file.
 
  -Instead of using cards, simply have students write their names, the date, and the title of the book they took on a "Book Log." When the book is returned, cross off the name.
   
  -Create an index card for each student. File these alphabetically. When a student wants to check out a book, write down the name of the book and the date it was checked out. When the student returns the book, cross off the title.
   
  -Have students write their name, title of the book, and date checked out on a Post-It note. Keep the notes posted where you can see them as a reminder.
 
Ideas for getting students to return books:
 
  -Periodically have a student helper or parent volunteer go through the list of books that are out and send friendly reminders to the students.
   
  -Make sure you place a label on the book stating, "This book belongs to (your name). Please return.
 
  -Some teachers find writing their names along the three paper edges of the book helps.
 
  -At the beginning of the year when you send home informational letters, explain your policy on lost books and replacement costs. Have both parents and students sign.
 
  -At the end of the year, when you have packed the library away, offer some type of small reward to anyone who "finds" a lost book from your library.
 
 
 
 
Do you have an idea, tip, technique, or solution you would like to share? Please send it to us in the body of an . (Do not send as an attachment.)
 
 

 

 

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