Building a high interest classroom library
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated April 05, 2024
As Language Arts teachers, we all know how important it is for students to have easy access to a well stocked classroom library. Sadly, far to many classrooms fall into the realms of book deserts. Without book access, students are unable to experience the joys of selecting high interest books and reading for pleasure. In this post I share some ideas for building a high interest classroom. Furthermore, I also share tips and tricks to help you get quality books into the hands of your readers.
For a FREE list of favorite books to help you stock your classroom library, click on the image or button below!
What is the purpose behind building a classroom library?
In order to become avid readers, students need to be presented with quality books and time to read them. Having a well stocked classroom library allows students to be surrounded by books on a regular basis. This provides opportunities for them to pick them up and explore them at a moments notice.
Having a well stocked library helps teachers to match kids with books. Also, it allows us to introduce new and exciting titles to the class. Through book reviews and book talks, students can see what others are reading. This helps them get excited about new books. Through this, the library itself becomes a venue for students and teachers to recommend books to each other.
Often, students only have access to a school library during a designated time a few times a month. Having an ample classroom library helps to ensure that kids are surrounded by books at all times. Because of this, students are not limited to a weekly book exchange.
Why is it important to provide time for pleasure reading?
Too often, we attach too many activities to reading. When students see reading constantly applied to worksheets and questions, they can lose the simple joys of just reading for reading’s sake. Instead, it is important to allow time in our busy classroom schedules to let students simply lose themselves in a good story.
For more information on Independent Silent Reading, you can check out my previous post here.
How do I get books to stock my classroom library?
Over the years, I have found several ways to help keep our classroom library current and stocked. I encourage you to try some of the options below to help build your library in ways that are inexpensive.
For some of our favorite titles to help stock your classroom, check out our upper elementary and middle school favorites!
1- Building the classroom library with Scholastic Book Clubs
Every year, I sign our class up for the Scholastic Book Club. When students purchase books, our class earns points towards new books for our classroom library. Over the years, I have found ways to make the most out of these book clubs, and I have put some of my tips and parent handouts together in this resource – you can snag it here or by clicking on the image below.
2- Used Book Sales
Our city holds a giant used book sale each year, where we can pick up used books for really inexpensive prices. I always go armed with a list of titles I know my kiddos are interested in, so I don’t get too distracted. This is also a great place to snag some cheap copies of some of the older Guinness Book of World Records books; these are much loved by my reluctant readers!
3- Garage Sales and second hand shops
Similar to the book sale, these can be great places to grab new titles for very inexpensive prices.
4- Class donations
A quick email out to parents, requesting books their children have finished with, often yields great results. An added bonus is that I can often get the kids to do a quick book talk of the books they are donating, which results in classmates being quite excited to get their hands on the new titles.
5- Simply Ask!
I have had great success with getting money for books to add to our classroom library simply by asking! For example, a call to our district office led to the discovery of several available grants our class could apply for. I have also had success by simply pleading my case to admin – after showing them the importance of kids having access to books, they were happy to give our class some money to purchase some new titles.
How big does my classroom library have to be?
While it is important to have a wide range of different books available to your students, a classroom library does not need to be huge.
The books in your library need to be high interest, engaging, and “fresh looking”. There is no point to having a ton of books if kids are not interested in checking them out! Going through your library on a regular basis and purging the ones that are battered or not being read is always a good idea. This leaves you space to add new books that the kids are actually interested in.
I hope these tips help you see the importance of classroom libraries, and will help you develop your own! Do you have any tips for building engaging classroom libraries? I would love to hear your ideas!
Looking for some ideas For books to choose for your classroom library?
I have put together a FREE MIDDLE SCHOOL NOVEL LIST featuring a variety of genres and titles. These books have been tested with my own learners, and have been classroom favorites. You can download your own list here or by clicking on the image below.
Looking for more Information on building up your classroom library?
Check out this post from my teacher buddy, Tanya G. Marshall the Butterfly Teacher!
Cheap Ways to Stock Your classroom Library
Looking for more information on the importance of classroom reading time?
Check out my previous posts here:
Independent Silent Reading – Tips and Tricks
Independent Silent Reading – Why is it important?
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