Classroom Library Part 2

So last time I blogged about a library app that I recently downloaded and it's still working fantastic. I've added several books to my collection since then but up until about a week ago, I still had no idea what I would do to organize them. Well with only a few weeks left before schools I finally think I have a good system.

I found these labels at http://ayearofmanyfirsts.blogspot.com/2012/07/library-book-bin-labels-free.html

They were exactly what I was looking for! They're free and she left a blank page so I created my own. It doesn't get much better than that!!

I started by organizing my books into categories and authors. There were a few authors that I had several books for so I pulled those out first. Then I decided on a few groups that I knew I would want. One of these groups was a series basket. I had a few series that were only a few books and I didn't want to waste an entire basket for only a few books so I combined them into a "Small Series" basket. This way the kids know it's a series but I don't have to waste the space. Then I used the Scholastic website to separate the books into genre. I ended up with realistic fiction, historical fiction, general fiction, comedy, mystery and suspense, and adventure. I probably had a few others but I don't remember.

Since these extra bins didn't have labels, I used her blank page to create my own. Click here for mine. You will have to change the font once you have opened them. I made them in Pages for Mac but converted them to a Word Document for sharing. The font is called MTF Jumpin' Jack EXT. It is not exactly what she used on her blog but I couldn't get that one to download so I picked something close.

Then I printed and laminated the labels and attached them with hot glue. (Yes the pictures are outside, I forgot to take pictures until they were already in my car. Whoops!)

The baskets are from Dollar Tree. I found blue and green ones in two sizes. It's hard to tell but the bottom basket is much longer.

Once I decided on my categories, I labeled them with sticker dots. On each of my labels, I put a coordinating sticker. Here is a close up of one of my categories. 

Tomorrow I am taking my library to school. I'm so excited! I will post pictures as I get it more organized in my room.