One of the most daunting tasks I’ve ever taken on in organizing my classroom was approaching my classroom library.
I knew that I didn’t want to have all of my books out at once, but needed to come up with a kinder-friendly system that allowed me to rotate books as needed.
While this seemed daunting to start, it is now the easiest system to upkeep (add new books to) and I never have to worry about my books getting mixed up with others because they are uniquely labeled!
Label Using Matching Pictures for Beginning Readers
Pictures were the solution I needed for my beginning readers and add a little tape, velcro, some paint stirrers, strong baskets and voila!
I have 8-16 baskets out at one time here which my kinders access every morning during quiet reading time.
It is part of our procedures that we learn to return the baskets with the picture label showing outward.
Inside each basket, all of the books have a matching tiny pictured taped in the top left corner so there’s no dispute over which basket each book gets returned to.
You can see that some of my basket labels will need to be re-printed and laminated this summer as they have been ruffled through many kinder hands over the past five years.
Rotate Library Selection Using Velcro
Each basket has two velcro squares and all of my labels have matching velcro squares. Velcro allows me to easily change out the front labels whenever I desire.
Seems easy enough, right? It really is!
My favorite kinder teacher down the hall had parents help organize her library by sending one basket and set of labels home to get the ball rolling.
Hopefully having these as a tool ready to go – you’ll find this project less daunting!
Get the Classroom Library Book and Basket Labels for free. Simply enter your email address below and I’ll send them right to you! Print as many as needed to label your collection!
Closet Space Saving Solution for Book Storage
I have over 50 different categories for my book collection now, so the remaining ones are tucked away in my closet in a system that allows me to maximize space.
Here’s my secret to not giving up too much of my precious closet space.
I simply printed the same pictures onto free paint sticks and use those to stick out from the books to separate each category.
Now, if I could only remember to rotate books out more often! {wink}
These themed labels have really helped me out in the long run and to minimize the daunting task of labeling every book.
Organize Extra Labels for New Books
Keep yourself and your extra labels organized for the future and the next time your Scholastic order comes in!
Grab a binder, ziploc bags and you’re ready to print and be organized!
- Staple a snack sized ziploc baggie on top of the printable category pages.
- Stick all of the pages into a binder.
- Add your extra labels you didn’t use into the organized ziploc baggies.
- The next time you need a label, you can easily grab it and tape it right onto your new book.
More Organization
- Lost and Extra Labels {Freebie Printable}
- responsibility in the classroom {daily folder labels}
- Classroom Bathroom Reminders {Freebie Printable}
- Classroom Jobs for Kindergarten {Free Printable}
Get the Book Basket Themed Labels
Instant organization! Free printable matching book and basket labels for over 50 categories.
I have a home daycare of preschool and school age, WOW this is a lifesaver! Thank you
Very disappointed have tried numerous times to down load and it tells me to check my in box but never get an email.
Be sure to check in your spam folder! I can see that I’ve sent 3 emails to you 🙂
– Leslie
I have put in my name and email and I didn’t get the book labels. It is not in my spam either. Can you send it to me. I really like your organized website on guided reading.
Hi Debbie, my email service says that you previously flagged my emails so unfortunately I can’t send you anymore emails due to anti-spam laws. My apologies!
– Leslie
Thank you for all your great ideas!
Is this editable for other themes?
Hi Floretta,No this isn’t editable but I tell you which font I used so you could make your own potentially.
Hi Leslie,
I am so excited to have found your blog. Thanks a million for sharing ideas, especially the library center and how you have basket and book labels. I am so excited to get started. I want to subscribe to your blog, how do I do that?
Thanks Miss Valerie, I’m so glad they can come in handy. You’re all set as a subscriber. I’ve got you taken care of. Have a wonderful week!
– Leslie
I am having trouble receiving the e-mail. It still hasn’t shown up.
Hi Bailey,
I can see that the email has been sent on my end. Could you please check your spam folder, trash and “promotions” tab in your gmail? I’ve heard from others that sometimes my emails can find their way into those folders on accident.
Thanks, Leslie
I’m using this in my tiny public library! Thank you!!! Is there a way to request different labels, such as “Disney” and “SkippyJon”?
Hi Melissa, I’m so thankful that you were able to put these to use in your library – awesome! I’m not currently taking custom work but you could use the font called VAG ROUND to potentially create some to match!
Thanks, Leslie
these are AWESOME!!!!
Thanks Valerie! Glad you like them and can use them.
– Leslie
Thanks these will really help me organize my classroom library!
Where did you find your baskets? My current library baskets are literally falling apart…I need to invest in some new ones but I want ones that will last.
I purchased my white ones from Walmart. They’ve held up for at least 10 years! While the white shows more “grub” they do clean up well.
– Leslie