Library Organization

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Home : 2004 : July : 26

Library Organization
By Gloria

After my first year of teaching, I had about 200 books not returned to my personal library so I spent the summer making each book a library book. From the teacher's store, I bought small library envelopes and check out cards
(I had a parent who helped me to do this). Each book was checked out with a name. I also had a special box that all books needed to be returned in. I checked them in with my initials or a parents initials. In the beginning of the year, I send home a letter to the parents stating that if their child would like to use my library, they were allowed to. However, any book not returned

or ruined would need to be replaced for $5.00 for paperbacks or $10.00 for hardbacks or they could buy a new book. The thing that made this happen is that I would not sign their final report card until the books were returned or paid for. Also, if they returned them the next year, I would refund their money. I wanted the books, not the money. I also kept all of the cards in an index box and went through them monthly to remind the kids who had outstanding books. Also, I would put sticky notes on the cards to list when reminders were given or who wnated to check the book out next. Letters were sent out quarterly to let the parents know what books their child had of mine. It works great. A lot of time in the beginning but very little time for upkeep.