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A classroom library always comes in handy. Whether you are English/Language Arts teacher, first year, or veteran teacher, it is always nice to have some reading material in your classroom to keep kids engaged.

As an English/Language Arts teacher, having a classroom library is a must. But how do you get all those books when you are just starting out?

When I first started teaching, I started with absolutely nothing. I actually got my first contract teaching position the day before the first day of school. I was broke and not ready at all! I found a friend in Dollar Tree and we made a long lasting friendship.

Over time I found some excellent ways to build my classroom library from scratch and keep my most disengaged readers engaged.

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How do I get Books for my Classroom Library?

Goodwill

A few times a year I will scrounge around to every Goodwill in my local area for books. I’ve been lucky to live by a Goodwill warehouse where I can get books for 49 cents!

The best times to go are right after Spring Break (3rd week of April), right before summer is over (mid-August), and right after the New Year (early January).

I found at these times, people tend to spring clean, do an overhaul before the kids go back to school, and throw out stuff just to make room for gifts they received over the holidays.

Craigslist and/or OfferUp

These are both great places to find people just giving away books and magazines. Just check out the “Free” area of both websites and you can find a lot of things for your classroom; even a bookshelf for your new library.

The best time to check for free books is early May throughout August. I found a box of books that were being given away by a retired teacher that was downsizing. These places are also effective if you make a request for books…but watch out you might get more than you bargain for.

Yard Sales/Garage Sales

Yard sales! This is where I get most of my own personal books from. Once the weather starts to warm-up, look for newspaper ads or posts on Craigslist or Facebook that mention local yards sales. Then make a list and get out early for the weekend. You can always bargain at yard sales and tug on their heart strings by mentioning you are a teacher trying to build your classroom library!

Retiring teachers/Moving on

This is actually how I was able to grow my own classroom library. I found a Language Arts teacher that was retiring and asked if they had any extra books, that I would be willing to take them over. They actually said they were going to leave them behind for whoever moved in to that room! I made the jump to take them and from there I started my very own classroom library. Now, every year I add at least 20 books to the library to keep it diverse.

DonorsChoose.org

DonorsChoose.org is a great resource for getting a classroom library going. This is great if you just need a set of books, donated books, or funding to buy a variety of books for various levels of learners in your classroom. This non-profit organization has helped millions of students by impacting their learning in a positive way!

Scholastic Warehouse

During my first year as a teacher a veteran teacher told me about Scholastic Warehouse events. I had no idea! She gave me a flyer and said that most deals are 50% off or even BOGO. If you never checked out S cholastic Warehouse sales, there could be one in your area. Check it out here.

Facebook Groups

There is a Facebook group for everything. If you need something for free or if you’re giving something away, there are Facebook groups for that. Look out for teacher related Facebook groups that also help with mentorship, those have a lot of supplies that you can get for free as well. Just do a search and check your local area to find free pick-ups for free books for your classroom.

Your Home!

A couple of years ago, I taught an all-boys 8th grade Language Arts classroom. And besides reading The Outsiders, I had trouble finding them reading material for their silent reading time.

While getting ready to recycle some old magazines, I found some video gaming magazines that belonged to my boyfriend. So I took a few that he was finished reading to my classroom for our Friday independent reading. They were a hit. Each student asked for more and was highly engaged.

Classroom Library Expectations

Build your Classroom Library Your Way!

Your classroom library will forever be growing and evolving. I always find myself giving away books. So I make sure to replenish my library every chance I get. I also like to have various levels of books from Harry Potter, to “I Spy” books, to fashion magazines, and interactive workbooks.

My students still go to the school library every 2 weeks, and if I find that they chose a book that is too difficult, I can find one from my classroom.

I don’t have my books organized in any way but do keep the magazines and big pictures in one area. I only do one big organization overhaul at the beginning of each school year.

Free Online Classroom Library Options

If you are looking for classroom library ideas for online learning, I found this FREE gem in Spring of 2020: Internet Archive

Students can make an account and check books out for 14 days. If you aren’t done within those 14 days, you can always go back and re-check out the book.

I’ve used it so students can follow along while I read aloud during our live sessions by just sharing my screen. This was a game changer when wanted to do a novel reading with my students all online.

Also, don’t forget, your area library may have a free digital check out option for you and your students!

Final Thoughts

Building your classroom library takes time. When you are just starting out as a teacher, it seems like you never have enough of anything. But try some of these tips and you will have your own library in no time.

If want to build a classroom library with books to uplift students of color, please click the link and you’ll find books to open conversations on race for all grade levels.

If you have some tips to help grow classroom libraries around the world, please leave them in the comment section!

Also, check out how to use a Reading Log in your classroom and download the Freebies!

For a virtual reading log for distance learning click here the picture below!