Are you looking for ideas for a classroom library makeover?
I have had the same classroom library organization, bin labels, and bins since at least my 3rd year of teaching, but eventually I got tired of the red and blue colour scheme.
The bins were dirty from years of classroom use and last year, during a lunchtime accident, chocolate milk got spilled all over my bins and books. I did not know the extent of this milk explosion until I started moving the bins around when I got back into the school.
After seeing the condition of the bins and some of the books affected by the milk incident (shall we name this “the curious incident of milk at lunchtime”?), it was time for a major overhaul.
How to Start a Classroom Library Makeover: Reorganizing the Library
Here is the process I went through for my classroom library makeover.
Think about organization
I decided that I still wanted to organize my classroom library by genre. I feel really strongly that once you hook students onto a genre, they will be readers for a long time–if not life. I loved realistic fiction and science fiction when I was a teen, and these are two genres I still read in my adult years.
Some middle school teachers organize their libraries in alphabetical order by author, and I see the value of this as it resembles a true library or bookstore.
Decide on storage and a colour scheme
I searched my local dollar store for available bin sizes, colours, and shapes. Once I found a size and shape I liked, I decided on the colour scheme of white for fiction and blue for non-fiction.
Consider labelling
I wanted new book bin labels that were more middle school-appropriate. I did a quick search of Teachers Pay Teachers, which resulted in this purchase from Ladybugs Teacher Files (I could buy her whole store). The colours, font, and clip art really appealed to me.
I printed the book bin labels out on cardstock from my colour printer and cut them out in their oval size. I was happy to have nice non-fiction labels becuase my old labels were made from cue cards and looked awful.
I attached the labels to the book bins using packing tape. You could also glue the labels on, but I wanted them to be removable just in case I wanted to switch out the bins again in a few years.
Fill your bins and check the shape of the books
When I was transferring the books into their new bins, I carefully examined each book for wear and ensured it was in its proper genre bin.
I weeded out doubles because I just don’t have the space for them, plus we have a well-stocked school library that would most likely have the book if needed.
Books that no longer fit into my class library but were still in great shape were given to my teaching partners for their libraries. If they were in terrible shape, I recycled them and knew that they had had a good life.
Classroom Library Makeover – Before Photos
Classroom Library Makeover – After Photos
I hope you found some ideas for a classroom library makeover in this post and are inspired to renovate your own classroom library.
More classroom library articles:Â
- 5 Classroom Library Myths
- Creating a Dynamic Classroom Library
- Creating an Engaging Middle School Classroom Library
- Finding Affordable Books For Your Classroom Library
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Looks great! I'm jealous of your clean and obviously deep book shelves.
I didn't think to take before pictures , but my after library is much improved thanks to you.
Sarah
Awesome job! Tackling the library is tough. I did it this summer, and I honestly can't say how many hours I invested. However, it was all worth it today on the first day back when the students were super excited to check out books! I'll be posting about my room/library this weekend. I'll try to remember to come back and link up. 🙂
~HoJo~
Lookin' good!
The new library looks great, Kristy! So clean-looking and organized! 🙂
~Erin
Mrs. Beattie's Classroom
Your transformation looks amazing! I can totally relate to how refreshing it feels to get this neat and organized! I get back into my classroom this week to set up my updated library! I can't wait to take some great pictures! Thanks for getting me to this linky!
Love the transformation! Especially the book app wall! That's such a great idea! I never know what to do with the ends of my book shelves because they sit in the middle of my room. Those posters might be a great solution. Plus, I have a huge bulletin board of reading recommendations I struggle to fill out in the hallway each year. Love it! I'm definitely going to be saving this post!
Love your blog!
I'm your newest follower! I found your blog through your post through All Things Upper Elementary!
Amanda
My Shoe String Life
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So happy all of you found this post inspiring. I really had fun making this library for my students. I hope you do as well. Thanks for leaving a comment. I read them all and love them!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for the inspiration. Lots of great ideas. I like the idea of packing tape so the labels can be removed.
Looks awesome! Ladybug Teacher Files has such great style! 😉
How did you create the book cover squares in your first after picture? I'd love to do something similar this year.
How did you make the app images of books?
Sorry I had help with this so I don't know.
Sorry I had help with this so I don't know. Software was used to make the book cover images square instead of rectangle.
Were they printed on regular paper?
No, I sent them to a print shop who printed them on glossy thick card stock. It was worth the investment because I use them every year.
Thank you! I love this idea.