25 Best Classroom Library Ideas for Organization & Style
If you’re looking for some new ideas for your classroom library, then this post is for you! I’ll show you the best ideas from super creative teachers to create a library that's fun, inviting, cozy, organized and gets the kids excited to read! Plus, I’ll show you some of my favorite finds to make a one-of-a-kind library in your class.
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Classroom Library Decoration Ideas
Creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere will encourage your students to grab a book and enjoy independent reading. Here are a few decoration ideas for your classroom library or the school library:
- Comfy seating: Provide a variety of seating options such as bean bags, floor cushions, or chairs with soft pillows.
- Book Posters: Hang up posters or wall decals with motivational reading quotes, or favorite characters from books to inspire your students to read.
- Colorful display: Use bright colors and patterns to create bulletin board displays or even paint the walls to give good vibes in the space.
- Themed corners: Create themed corners within your library to showcase different genres, or recommended books to spark students' interest in exploring new books.
Check out all of these classroom decor ideas and more in this post.
1 | Create a Focal Point in Your Library
Madison, a second-grade teacher from Missouri created this amazing library for her students. The huge tapestry creates a focal point for the library and really makes the space, right?
You can steal this style be adding a huge tapestry to one wall in your library. There are tons of tapestries on Amazon that would look amazing in a classroom. Clear bins work great to separate the books by reading level or topic.
2 | Create a Cozy Reading Space
If you want to create a cozy spot that kids would love to read in take a cue from Kathy, aka Mrs. Kellogg, a fourth-grade teacher from Missouri and add string lights above a comfy sitting area.
Surround this area with tons of books and it would make the perfect spot to read. If you’re loving the huge map tapestry, you can find it here.
3 | Create a Bright Colorful Library
This library is so bright, colorful and inviting students would love to hang out here. Montana, a fourth-grade teacher from Virginia, used white bookshelves that let the books really stand out.
If you want to re-create this look in your classroom library, you can start with these colorful pom bulletin borders and this white wood bulletin board paper to create a colorful backdrop.
4 | Create a Nature Themed Class Library
Try bringing the outside in and create a mini nature retreat in your classroom library like Nicki, a first-grade teacher did. It’s all about the details like the tree stump table, the plants and flowers.
My favorite are these tree stump pillows that make the perfect spot to cozy up with a book. You can find the tree stump pillows here.
5 | Display a Books We’ve Read Bulletin Board
A books we have read bulletin board may be the perfect addition to your classroom library. You can get this bulletin board space ready in advance by printing off and laminating book covers ahead of time, so they are ready to go as your class reads them.
6 | Add Drama with Paint
A DIY paint project would be a fun way to add personality to your reading center! I’m loving everything about this classroom library and book nook created by Kayla, a second-grade teacher from Las Vegas.
She painted the rainbow on the wall herself. She sketched out the design on the wall first and then adjusted as she went with acrylic paint and a small paintbrush.
If you give it a try in your class remember boho rainbows don’t have to be perfect, the design is meant to be a little whimsical. You could create the book nook wall with small brush strokes in black paint.
The book nook sign was created with acrylic paint streaked downward in rainbow colors.
Hand Painted Rainbow with Lights in Class Library
I couldn’t get enough of this amazing classroom reading corner so here’s another view. Adding string lights to her rainbow adds another fun touch to this library.
The world map rug in black and white matches perfectly with the black, white and rainbow color scheme she has going on.
7 | Create a March Madness Book Bracket
If you want to create a March madness book bracket in your class, you can run it just like the basketball tournament. The winner of each match can be determined by class vote. The winner of each sweet 16 match up will go on to the elite 8 and then the final four and then of course the championship match.
Kelcie, a 3rd grade teacher from northern Alabama, matched fiction vs. nonfiction books for a fun twist on the game. This is a great way to get the kids excited about reading. You can have them guess who’ll be the final winner at the start of the competition.
8 | Create the Perfect Spot to Curl up With a Book
If you want to steal the style of Anna, a first-grade teacher from Iowa, first just add a simple bench to your library.
Then add tons of fun pillows to make this the designated space and the perfect cozy spot to curl up with a book. She also added a pretty area rug to make the space feel extra homey.
9 | Incorporate Your Class Theme in Your Library
If your classroom has a theme, then why not incorporate this theme in your classroom library too? That's what Monica did, a second-grade teacher from California. Her camping theme translates to her classroom library where kids are encouraged to “camp out with a good book.”
I also love how she created a book return cart that can be wheeled around the library. Plus, this is another example of dollar tree bins that look like a million bucks with pretty book labels! Even more impressive, Monica is a first-year teacher that was able to build this library by asking the community for book donations.
If you want more classroom theme ideas, then you should check out this post -The Best Classroom Themes
Classroom Library Organization Ideas
There are a lot of different ways to tackle the organization of your classroom library. The important thing is to set up a library system that works for you and your students. Here are a few ideas to create an organized classroom library:
- Decide on your sorting method: Some ideas are sorting by different genres, grade level, alphabetically by author’s last name or even by color. I’ll show you examples of each of these in this post.
- Labeling books, bins or bookshelves: Use labels or stickers on books and storage bins to indicate where each book belongs. Labels with pictures work great for young readers. This will make it easier for students to return books to the right place and keep your library space neat.
- Using bins and containers for storage: Many teachers like to store books in plastic tubs or sturdy baskets to keep them organized and protected. Laminated labels can be attached to each container based on the category of books. Are you pro book bin or would you rather ditch the bins? I’ll show you both in this post so you can choose your favorite method.
In this post we’ll explore all of these organizational ideas and more.
10 | Organize with Bins
If you love to organize your classroom library with bins you’re not alone. Don't forget to include bin labels to make it easy for students to find and return books to the correct spot.
11 | Use Dollar Store Containers to Organize Books
Jaclyn, a first-grade teacher from Northern Cal, took a trip to the Dollar Store for this assortment of containers and book baskets in pretty spring colors to go with her beach themed classroom.
She added cute labels and fun details like the good day sign and pineapple hand sanitizer to create this fun space.
12 | Or Ditch the Bins & Containers
This teacher decided to ditch the bins and is not looking back. Instead, she added library shelf labels, seen in the top right of the picture above.
13 | Use Color Coded Spine Labels to Organize Your Library
Molly, a fifth-grade teacher from San Diego, created these rainbow-colored classroom spine labels. She wanted her students to learn how to find books in bookstores and public libraries as well as in her class.
She faces all books with their spines out so they don’t get lost in baskets and so kids can see the title of every book.
Her fiction books are organized in alphabetical order by author’s last name and information books are organized by subject with color coded icons to help the kids find the type of books they’re interested in.
14 | Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Organization
This fourth-grade teacher decided to switch from grouping books by reading level to grouping them by fiction and non-fiction. The fiction books are organized by the author’s last name and the non-fiction ones are categorized by general topic.
She made this change to try to get more books into her student’s hands.
You can also copy these library wall quotes, "Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader."
15 | Organize by Genre
This teacher uses these bright fun genre posters and matching labeling system to keep her classroom library on point. Book displays with a variety of genres are on top of the bookshelves to encourage reading.
Book bin labels are a perfect way to organize students' favorites so they can easily find books that they may be interested in.
16 | Arrange Books in Rainbow Order
This organized library makeover was inspired by the Home Edit. If you look closely all the books are organized in rainbow order!
This system is an easy way for younger kids to quickly know where to return books.
17 | Try a Color Dot System
This fifth-grade teacher scored these colorful dot stickers from Amazon and uses them to organize her classroom library by author.
18 | Add a Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is the perfect spot for books that need to be returned as well as a convenient spot to grab one of the monthly picks or the new titles that students will love!
19 | Maximize a Small Space
Do you have a small space for your classroom library? Take a little inspiration from this small but mighty classroom book nook.
Additional Tips for Classroom Libraries
Let's check out some more of the best tips and tricks from other teachers to create the perfect library in your class.
20 | Teach Students Library Etiquette
It's important to teach students how to handle and care for books in your classroom library. At the beginning of the year be sure to discuss the importance of treating the materials with respect.
Take a cue from this teacher and create a bulletin board that lists library etiquette, information on book spine labels, and tips to keep the library organized on a bulletin board near your class library.
21 | Have a Student Librarian Classroom Job
Introduce a "Student Librarian" as one of your classroom jobs to get students involved in taking care of the library. This student can be responsible for organizing, shelving, labeling, and managing the check-out system of the classroom library.
Rotate the position regularly so that multiple students have an opportunity to gain experience in this role.
22 | Tips for Reluctant Readers
For reluctant readers, consider stocking your library with a wide variety of engaging books like graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, high-interest non-fiction, and audiobooks. Provide books of all different reading levels and genres too.
You can also have a dedicated section with recommendations and favorites from other students which will help motivate them to read too.
23 | Modeling a Public Library
It’s a great idea to use some of the same practices as public libraries because this will help familiarize students with what to expect when they visit their local library. You can do this by organizing your books with a cataloging system such as the Dewey Decimal System and adding spine labels for easy searching and navigation.
Students can practice using library resources in their own classroom, so they'll be confident when they visit public libraries.
24 | Barcode Scanner for Classroom Library
Invest in a barcode scanner and label the books in your classroom library with barcodes. That way, students can quickly and easily check out books, monitor the inventory, and maintain organization. Plus, your students will love scanning which adds a fun touch to your class library.
25 | Establishing a Check-Out System
Create a simple check-out system that allows students to borrow books from the classroom library. A check-out chart or digital program can track which book is borrowed by who and for how long.
This will help your sanity a little and also promotes responsibility among students while ensuring that books are returned and available for other students to enjoy.
26 | Finding Deals and Donations for Your Classroom Library
Grow your classroom library by seeking book donations from parents, local businesses, and community organizations. Connect with local libraries or bookstores for information on discounts and sales.
Goodwill or your local thrift store often have lot of options too! Another idea is to host a book fair at your school to raise funds to buy more books.
27 | Considering Students' Interests and Reading Levels
Be sure to consider your students' interests and reading levels when selecting your classroom library books. It might be helpful hold a class discussion to talk about their favorite genres, topics, or themes.
Include a mix of different reading levels including easy, on-level, and challenging books to ensure that all students can find something that they enjoy. Children's literature experts recommend starting with at least seven books per child and adding two new books per child each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I organize my books for easy access in my classroom?
To organize your books for easy access, you can start by categorizing them based on genres, reading levels, or themes. Use color-coded labels or stickers to make these categories easy to find.
Also create signs to help guide students. Alphabetical organization can also make it simple for students to locate the book they're looking for.
What are some creative ideas for setting up a welcoming reading space?
Creating a welcoming reading space can include comfortable seating options like bean bags, cushions, or rugs. Consider adding soft lighting, vibrant colors, and fun decorations to make the space even more inviting.
You can also incorporate a reading corner display with a rotation of featured or new books to spark students' interest.
What's a good system for students to check out books?
To set up a system for students to check out books, you can use a simple pen and paper method with a library log sheet, where students write down their names, the book title, and the date borrowed.
You could also consider using digital tools like mobile apps or websites to track book loans and returns, which can save time and simplify the process.
Where can I find resources to track my classroom library inventory?
There are various resources available to help you track your classroom library inventory. Some resources include online spreadsheets, mobile apps, and websites specifically designed for this purpose.
These tools can help you manage book loans, maintain an up-to-date inventory, and even provide recommendations for additional books based on your existing collection.
Why should every class have a dedicated reading corner?
A dedicated reading corner is a great addition to your class because it encourages students to explore and engage with books independently. It provides a comfortable space for students to relax and focus on their reading.
How can I categorize my classroom books for a diverse range of readers?
Categorizing your classroom books for diverse readers involves considering multiple factors such as reading levels, interests, a wide range of topics and genres. You can use color-coded sticky labels or bins to differentiate between reading levels and create sections for various genres, themes, or subjects that cater to students' interests.
Don’t forget to include a mix of fiction and non-fiction so there’s something for everyone!
My Favorite Classroom Library Finds
If you’re now inspired to create your own fun classroom library, check out some of my favorite finds below to do that.
CLASSROOM LIBRARY SUPPLIES | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | TEAL 6-PC BOOK BINS
TWO | GOOD BOOK TAPESTRY
THREE | TEAL ROLLING CART
FOUR | TREE STUMP PILLOW
FIVE | RELAX AND READ CLASSROOM PILLOW
SIX | METAL LIBRARY SIGN
SEVEN | BLUE BOOK TAPESTRY
EIGHT | 6-PC RAINBOW BOOK BINS
NINE | 6-PC PLASTIC STORAGE BINS
TEN | SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME SIGN
ELEVEN | READING FOX PILLOW COVERS
TWELVE | CLASSROOM BOOK LABELS
So, now have some new ideas to help you create an epic classroom library. I hope that this post has inspired you to try something new in your class this year! If you loved this post, feel free to give it a share on your favorite social and pin your favorite ideas to your Pinterest boards.
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