It generally will take time to create an ideal lending library that contains all of the different types of books that a teacher would want in his/her collection. What follows is a list of suggestions on how to start a library.

1) Determine the Classroom Needs: As Jeff Lowe, a teacher and mentor in southern California who teaches workshops on building classroom libraries, points out in an excellent article that appeared on the SCHOLASTIC website and in Instructor™ magazine (http://www.scholastic.com), one of the most important factors in deciding what your classroom library needs will be the interests that the families may have when they are looking for books that they might use with their children. These will be related to the ages, development, and interests of their children. You also need to seek ways to increase your knowledge base about books for children as well as about useful reference books and periodicals. Consider going online and using the many resources such as the various online bookstores as well as informational websites related to children’s literature.

2) Getting the Books: Here are a few ideas for accessing free or inexpensive sources that Jeff Lowe suggests.

• Involve your school and classroom in book clubs that offer points for free books when a sufficient number have been purchased.
• Request that families and friends donate their books to your classroom library
• Take advantage of library sales, yard sales, and, thrift stores – but remember that children prefer books that are in good condition and look new.

3) Places to keep your library: Determining where to keep your lending library is very important. This will be influenced by the age of the children, the families you work with, and how important each book is to you. Here are a few suggestions on where to keep your own library:

• In the classroom where children and families can have access to them.
• Safely kept in a storage area at the school for families to look through while supervising their child.
• At your home where you can safely watch over them and it is less likely that they will be damaged. However, this option is not easily accessible in a moment of need.

 

Adapted from: Lowe, J. (no date). Creating an A+++ Classroom Library. The Instructor. [On Line}. Available from: http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/classmgmt/creatingroom.htm