Free Books!

How do I build and maintain a classroom library?

This is a question to which I continually seek answers.  Over the years I have found several ways to expand my classroom library.  Since moving to the Council Bluffs/Omaha area I have found several new ways to obtain free/low cost books and ultimately get them into the hands of my students.  I am eager to share what I have learned and would welcome any tips you have in the comment section below.

As you consider the ideas provided please keep in mind that when building a classroom library not all books are of equal value.  Those of you who know me well are probably laughing because I have been known to pick up books off the side of the road and do my best to find them a good home.  It is important to curate vs. amass a classroom library.  Screen book donations so that the titles included in your classroom library match the interests and reading abilities of your students.  Our students are more likely to read books we know, love, and can recommend to them with confidence.

No Cost Solutions

Ensure that the books you have obtained are not easily lost by creating a system for tracking books that leave your classroom.  This will not be enough alone so be sure to label your books by writing your name in permanent marker in a highly visibly spot or affixing a mailing label with your last name and room number.  At least once a week I have a lost book returned to me directly by a colleague or find one in my mailbox.

Tell your friends and family that you are in need of books to build your classroom library and are looking for donations of gently used books.  Send your request out via email or post on Facebook so that your friends can forward/share you request with their friends as well.  

Swap classroom libraries with a teacher in your building midway through the school year.  I have even noticed that rearranging my own classroom library or introducing a new display will renew student interest.

Create a book swap shelf in your classroom and label it "Book Swap" or "Take a Book, Leave a Book".  Invite students to bring in books from home that they no longer want and would like to swap.

Check out books from our local Green Hills Area Education Association GHAEA for classroom use.  Pick up books at the annual GHAEA book giveaway in the fall.

Visit Craigslist and look for postings for free books.  Retiring teachers and people moving across country often will place an ad to get rid of books but these tend to go very quickly! 

Join Goodreads.com and participate in their book giveaways.  Goodreads is like Facebook for people who love books!  

Sign up to be a World Book Night Book Giver.   This program solicits applicants in October or November and awards 20 books to each selected applicant in March. Books are to be distributed to low readers or non-readers on April 23.  This year I will distribute 20 copies of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson.  Last year I was granted 20 copies of the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Visit Donors Choose and create a profile and post classroom project requests.  This process does take some time.  This is a great site to use throughout the year but it has been shared with me that teachers who have used this in the past had better results when they listed their requests in November/December.  

Visit Swap 4 Schools create a free account, build your wish list and donations of books will come directly to your school. 

Check out websites that connect donors with teachers in need of books like www.bookmentors.org  I recently received a hard cover copy of Wonder by R.J. Palacio through this website which I placed in Barb Ryan's classroom library.  Her students have had three copies in constant circulation and a waiting list for this book since October.  

Participate in the Scholastic Book Order, accrue points towards the purchase of books for your classroom library. 

Volunteer at the Scholastic Warehouse during their annual 50% off sales.  Teachers are paid $10 per hour in books and because books are 50% off it is like making $20/hour.  Pair this with their $10 off $50 or $25 off $100 dollar coupon.  For additional savings check out their build a box area where you are able to fill a box of books for $25.  (The next Scholastic Warehouse Sale is scheduled for May 9-24, 2013 at 8619 South 117th St.  La Vista, NE 68128.)

Request a book donation to your classroom library at Half Price Books. The 6th grade Language Arts team received a very generous donation from Half Price Books at the beginning of the school year.

Apply for a Council Bluffs Community Foundation Classroom Grant.  This application hasn’t changed significantly from year to year so take time now or over the summer to draft a request and save it for future use.

Low Cost Solutions

Visit Half Price Used Books Store and visit their clearance book section.  Books are priced $.50-$2.00.  Teachers also receive a 10% discount with school ID.  Sign up for their mailing list so that you receive additional discounts throughout the year.

If you are looking for a particular title visit www.half.com.  Books can often be purchased for the cost of shipping and a couple of dollars.

Shop Goodwill and other local thrifts stores.  Ask an employee for details on when they offer additional discounts on books. 

Shop Friends of the Library Book Sales.  We have the advantage of being able to access both Council Bluffs Public Library and Omaha Public Library Book Sales.

Shop garage sales.  I target nice neighborhoods and always mention that I am purchasing the books for my classroom library.  I have been pleasantly surprised by how many people will offer an additional discount, donate them on the spot, or suggest that you return at the end of the sale to take any remaining books free of charge.

Do you have tips or ideas to share?  If you have used any of the methods above what has worked best for you?  Please share your ideas in the comment section.