The library and reading area is an essential part of any classroom. Especially in kindergarten and the younger grades. This is the time when a love for words, books, and reading is sparked in children. This is a comprehensive guide to classroom library organization. It will help you create an organized, functional space with bright colors and clear labels that is fun and accessible to all students (and the teacher too!)

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase through one of my links, which helps to support the blog.

Today I invite you on a tour of my classroom library! I will show you how I organize my books, share links for purchasing materials and furniture that I used when I set up my library and even tell you about my Classroom Library Labels. I have so much to share so let’s jump right in to classroom library organization 101.

Creating a Cohesive Classroom Library

Most teachers have a system in place for organizing their classroom library. Like so many others, my own library contains bins for a variety of reading levels, as well as bins for a variety of seasons, holidays, and themes.

While most teachers are organized, the pitfall of most libraries is a lack of cohesion. Nothing can visually derail a functional library like a mismatched set of bins in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. My own library contains several kinds of containers (in a few different colors and sizes), but it’s the careful and deliberate placement of each item in the library that makes it stand out and create a jaw-dropping effect.

Notice that each row of shelves contains the same type of box across each shelf. It created a lot of clean lines to draw in they eye and eliminate clutter.

The longest shelf in my library contains larger baskets to hold books. There were a few categories of books in which I had an ABUNDANCE of reading materials. They simply could not fit into one of the tall skinny boxes. I added the larger baskets but made sure to use the same color scheme that already existed on the bottom shelf to reduce any unnecessary visual distractions.

Student book boxes are on the top shelf. These are all the same color (green) to add an element of simplicity. Student book bins were purchased at Really Good Stuff. Sets of 12 bins can be purchased in a single color from their online store. They are a great tool for classroom library organization.

I turned all of my bins from Really Good Stuff backwards on the shelf.  This helped to maximize the pop of color and minimize book clutter.

I also laminated and used hot glue to attach labels onto each box.

All labels are from my Classroom Library Labels {Black Series} set.

Here is a view of the complete classroom library. It always looks this nice and well-organized because I  spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year training my students on the proper use and maintenance of our favorite classroom space.

Want to know where I bought all of the items in the photo?
You will find a shopping guide at the bottom of this post.

Classroom Library Organization

Once the structure of your library is in place, the next big step is ORGANIZING all of those books into bins. And, even more importantly, LABELING every item in the library so it can remain organized and functional for student use. Not sure where to begin? I’ve got you covered!

Every item in my own classroom library has been labeled and organized using my Classroom Library Labels {Black Series} set. This complete downloadable resource contains two sizes of box labels and coordinating book labels to help you sort and organize classroom books for virtually every reading level, season, holiday, month and theme.

Classroom Library Labels from Kinder-Craze truly are the ultimate resource for labeling your lower elementary classroom library.

Using the set is simple. Print the desired book bin labels and laminate. Cut each label out and attach to library bins. I recommend using hot glue to apply the laminated labels to bins. It is lasting and durable, yet peels cleanly and easily from plastic surfaces. Print coordinating book labels (formatted to print on Avery 5160 labels) and cut into strips to separate labels. Attach to each book that will be stored in the matching bin for easy and child-friendly sorting and organization.

Where to Shop for Your Classroom Library

People stop by the blog to check out my classroom every day and I receive a TON of emails asking where I purchased many of the items seen throughout the room. Here are the answers to the most common shopping questions!

Feel free to pin the image below for future reference.

Green, yellow, and pink book bins (seen on the top and middle shelf under the windows) – Really Good Stuff 

Large pink and green baskets (seen on the bookcase on the left) – Big Lots

Small pink and teal baskets (seen on 2nd shelf of bookcase on the right) – Five Below
Green, pink, and blue magazine boxes (seen on bottom shelves) – Big Lots

White bench with black fabric boxes inside
IKEA Expedit Shelf turned sideways.
UPDATE: IKEA has recently discontinued the Expedit line, but Walmart offers a VERY similar shelf.

Rainbow Pillows IKEA (could not find a current link online)

*NOTE: Big Lots is a great source to stock up on classroom library bins and baskets. They only offer a few colors each year and the new colors release in July and August during Back to School season. Keep your eyes open and stock up early. They sell out fast! Click here to check out the current Big Lots bins available.

 

Shop for Classroom Library Labels

Classroom Library Labels {Black Series} and {White Series} are available for purchase in my TpT store! They are the ultimate resource for classroom library organization.

Still have a question about something you saw in my classroom, answers can be found in many of my old blog posts. Click a question below to read my answer.

I am a new teacher!
How can I build my library on a limited budget? 

I buy all my books from Scholastic book orders.
How can I get more bonus points?

I love the black silhouettes of children playing!
Where can I purchase those images?

Your classroom is gorgeous!
Can I please see more photos?

I love your {Black Series} labels!
What other resources are available in {Black Series}?

I love your stuff but I don’t like to use a lot of ink.
What products are available in the {White Series}?
(Classroom Library Labels are now available in the White Series!)

I want to level my library books! How do I get started? 

A recent blog post has ALL of the answers you need to begin leveling the books in your classroom library! Stop by to find great apps and websites to help you quickly and accurately level your books.