How Do You Organize Your Books?

Today, Growing Kinders asked:

How do you organize your books?

I love this question, because I struggled with it for years. For so long, I treated my books like they were priceless treasures. I read them to my class, but wouldn't put them out in my classroom library. I was afraid they would get ripped, or bent, or smudged with little fingerprints. I stocked my classroom library with rejects--hand-me-downs or books I picked up at garage sales. Hardly what I would call quality literature.

Then I started reading people like Debbie Miller. I fell in love with Reading Workshop, and all of the sudden, I wanted my kids to READ. Not just the crap books I put out, but rich, deep, engaging literature. I wanted the kids to love reading as much as I do, and I wanted them to fall in love with books. So away went the crappy books and out went my favorites.

Now I don't have to store a lot of books, because most of my books are out for the kids to read and put in their book boxes. I have books of every genre out--fiction, fairy tales, leveled readers, magazines, author collections...This year, I set up a whole non-fiction section in another part of my classroom. My classroom library keeps expanding and expanding, like a living, growing thing.

There are some books, mostly holiday books or seasonal books, that only come out for part of the year. They go on this book stand. This picture was taken at the beginning of the year, so all of the back-to-school books are out.

When they're not out, I store those books on my bookshelves, but as you can see, there are not that many.

By the way, even though I spend a lot of time establishing expectations for how to treat books (read here), they still get ripped and bent and smudged with little fingerprints. But they get READ!

They are well-loved.

Besides, there's nothing a little packing tape can't fix!

Next year, I'm moving to a new school and will have a new classroom. I can't wait to set up my classroom library and will post pictures as soon as I can. In the meantime--get those books off your teacher shelf and out where the kids can READ them!

Comments

[Kathleen]

Love it! Most of my books in my bins are my seasonal/holiday books that I read aloud to the kiddos. I still have my classroom library, but that is a work in progress to organize! There's always something to do, isn't there?!

[susan warder]

I don't have enough space to make most of my books available at all times. My room is a good size but book display is in "Library Area' with slanted rack, open shelves and baskets. Current interests are in bins on floor in group area and 'not in use at this time' books are in shelves sorted by theme and author. I like the idea of a designated non-fiction area. I usually point out the non-fiction titles but giving them a unique home would be interesting. Your post inspired me to try a "Favorites" book home this year: Periodically I would explain that some books will go back on shelves but the kids could vote which title to make continually available (The Teeny Tiny Teacher comes to mind for beginning of year).
Thank you for starting this conversation.
Good luck with your move. Will you still be teaching kindergarten?

[Lisa Peterson]

I just have to tell you that I LOVE some of the ideas I found here and I can't wait to get back in my room to "fix" my library. I have tons of books but not a lot of room, but I have decided that I'm not having student cubbies next year, so now I know exactly what I'm doing with that extra space - and with dishpan tubs, too. Cheap and easy:) And I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the shelves with the backpack hooks under - I'm super jealous. I teach in Hawaii, so we don't have coats and such, so no official place to put our backpacks. They are a pain to keep under control and I HATE them on the backs of little kinder chairs. Hooks would be ideal -but with storage on top would be heaven! I might have to break down and make me something this summer:) Thanks for sharing!

[Katie]

Great ideas! I had mine in bins this year and the bins got so messy and disorganized after a while. I am going to try and code the books this year with stickers... plus I am adding shelves and will put the matching sticker on the shelves too. Thanks for sharing your ideas! Every little bit helps.

[Miss Trayers]

I also find your pics very inspiring! I know this is a weakness of mine-library organization. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.

[Allison]

I just had to stop by and tell you how much I LOVE your ideas for math journals. I actually just featured your ideas on my blog so check it out. Also, I teach 1st grade and am so excited to try out some of your ideas with my class next year!! Thank you so much for sharing. If you have any tips, suggestions or printables you are willing to share with me, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!!
Allison
www.room-mom101.blogspot.com

[MaryLea]

Such a lovely place, I want to come play! I love Expedit book cases from Ikea - they are a must have in our house! My youngest starts kindergarten this fall and my best friend is one of the teachers at her school -- I'm planning to help her organize and set up her classroom in August. : ) Might have to hit dollar tree and the target dollar spot!

Fondly,
Pink and Green Mama
MaryLea

www.pinkandgreenmama.com

[Amber Mclamb]

May I ask where you got your white baskets for your books?
Thank u!!!
Amber

[maryjane]

thank you for the information.