Compile a list of the types of books you wish to have in your library. Ask your first graders to name their favorite books and reach out to parents for recommendations. Think about the books you enjoyed when you were a child and add these to the list.
Develop a comprehensive list of genres and topics that your library should include. For example, you may want an entire section on books about animals, different family structures, getting along with siblings and friends or art and creative projects. You may want another section on elementary science projects and another featuring fiction for children.
Ask school administrators if funds are available to build a classroom library. However, even if the budget is tight and they cannot give you any money, plenty of resources still exist.
Inquire within your community to learn about ways to access free or inexpensive books. Many public or school libraries donate books after they have been in rotation for a long period of time and will gladly stock your classroom library.
Host a book drive. Invite parents and community members to attend an open house and view students’ work and progress. For admission to the open house, suggest a donation of a children’s book.
Reach out to fellow teachers and parents whose children have grown up. Often these individuals have children’s books in their homes that they no longer use and will gladly donate.
Arrange your books in alphabetical order according to their subjects once you have amassed a satisfactory beginning library. For example, designate one shelf to animal books and arrange these in alphabetical order by title.
Continue amassing a classroom library whenever opportunities arise. For example, at the end of the year, ask students to donate books they have outgrown now that they are ready to move on to the second grade. This way, your classroom library will benefit children for years to come.