Building Classroom Libraries
Promoting Literacy by Providing Ready Access to Children's Books
Jun 13, 2009
The first thing to do before gathering books is to find a space in the classroom for the library. It should be large enough for students to browse comfortably, for books to be displayed attractively, and for a few pieces of furniture. It needs to be out of the flow of classroom traffic since it should be a place of relative quiet. Windows are also a plus since natural light and sunbeams make for a great reading environment. For most, this means the best spot is one of the back corners of the classroom.
Creative Shelving and Furniture
Once you have carefully thought of a space, the next consideration is shelving. What kind of shelves will depend on how the books will be displayed – with covers showing or the spine. Anything will work so long as it displays books, so this is where resourcefulness comes in. Teachers can fasten inexpensive rain gutters to the wall or reuse old milk crates from the cafeteria. Parents can donate cement blocks and boards. Even cardboard boxes work well since they can be dressed up easily with poster paint. Of course conventional bookshelves work but if this is too expensive, get creative.
To really set off your classroom library as a separate space, shelving should double as walls. Position blocks and boards to create this separate space and stack up milk crates three feet high. But don't go any higher. When creating a separate space, it is still important to consider supervision. Walls that are too high will hide students from view, which is something to avoid.
Now that shelving is taken care of, it is time to think about furniture. Find cozy and inviting pieces so the library is warm and inviting. This can be as easy as having a plush carpet and some bean bags for students to lay on. A rocking chair stuffed with pillows is also a classic and comfortable option as is an old arm chair from home. Once again, if conventional options are not available, get resourceful. Fill an old canoe with pillows, string a hammock from wall to wall, or set up a tent as a reading space. Students will love these creative options.
A Variety of Children's Literature Organized Appropriately
So after the space, shelving, and furniture is squared away, it’s finally time to bring in the books! The most important guideline is to follow good teacher practices. So make sure to have a wide variety of reading levels and interests available so all students will be able to find appropriate books. It is not necessary to alphabetize but arrange books by genre to make it easier for students to browse. Label each section with placards or color code shelving. However, you may want to arrange nonfiction books by the Dewey decimal system even if they can be browsed at a glance. Using a simple decimal system in your classroom is a great teaching tool for preparing them for library use in the future.
It is a good idea to aim for at least ten books per child, but doing this and not spending a fortune is difficult. Look for book deals when sending in monthly Scholastic orders. They provide free books to teachers every month. Also, if you live in a populated area, chances are you have a Scholastic warehouse nearby. Keep your eyes out for their regular end of year event when most books go on sale for a dollar. Then solicit donations from friends and family and visit weekend garage sales, but remember, your library should stock books that still look new because students (like adults) will not find ragged, dog-eared books inviting.
Deciding to turn an empty corner of your classroom into a library is challenging. But by being resourceful and using everyday materials in creative ways, any teacher can easily create a separate space that puts a focus on literacy. And once the shelves are up and filled with a wide selection of books, you will be surprised at how popular the new space becomes.
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