Classroom Library Organization for Beginners

Samantha Behne

As a first-year teacher, I have a lot of things I need to organize and plan and figure out. And it seems as though most of them are a priority: book boxes, flexible seating, supplies, standards and curriculum, school procedures (such as lunch and library and recess and specials), open house, lockers or cubby assignments, assessments, the classroom library, and more. It can be overwhelming, but I learned to see what others do and what might work for me, ask for help, and break the task into small chunks.

When I was ready to organize my classroom library, I didn’t know where to begin. I was fortunate to have quite a few books gifted to me, but I wasn’t sure how to organize them so students could access them. I found this article by Lori Sabo and thought it seemed doable to put this system into place in my classroom. However, as I looked at the detailed list of tubs, I realized I didn’t have time, resources, or space to go that specific . . . yet.

So, using the same idea of labeling the tubs with the book type and a number and labeling each book with the corresponding number, I decided to start small. Instead of specific author tubs or subjects (because I didn’t have a plethora of books from one author or on one subject, or space to create a tub and wait to fill it), I went with more basic labels. This allowed me to sort books and give them a home, and do it quickly and efficiently.

Since this is my first year, I will see how this works, what books I collect as the year goes on, and what books are some of my students’ favorites. Then next year, I may break my basic labels into more specific categories. Basically, I am taking it a step at a time, based on what works for me, knowing I can expand and grow in future years.

So, if you are new to teaching, have a new classroom, or want to reorganize your classroom library, I highly suggest reading Lori’s article and seeing how to make this system work for you. It did take time, but it will be clear to my students how to find and put books away. Thanks, Lori!

1. I purchased these labels for the numbers on Amazon and book tubs at Target.
2. I laminated name tags and used Velcro dots to attach them to the front of the boxes.
3. I sorted my books the best way I could using the books I had: chapter books; picture books; science and social studies books; seasonal, holiday, and weather books; brain break books; and so on.
4. After sorting books I wrote topics on the tub labels.
5. I put a circle label on each tub and on each book in the library.
6. I numbered the tub circles and then went back and numbered each book in the tub with the corresponding number.