Corner Libraries

• A corner library layout maximizes space and separates the library from student work areas in the classroom. Place shelves in an L-shape against two adjoining walls. A small, colorful rug brings visual interest to the classroom library. Add cozy touches such as pillows and plush versions of children's favorite characters. Place a comfortable chair at an angle for teacher read-alouds and for students to enjoy. Include floor and table lamps to create a warm, homey atmosphere.
  
  

Small Spaces

• In small classrooms, be creative with classroom library setup. Use bookshelves as room dividers in classrooms with minimal space. Use shelves to partition the room into a work area and a gathering space that doubles as a classroom library. A large rectangular- or oval-shaped rug provides a place for students to stretch out and read when the area is not in use for class meetings. Surround the area with crates and easels for storage and display if shelf space is limited.
  
  

Organization

• Loose books on shelves encourage disorganization and make book selection difficult. Colorful plastic tubs or baskets make books easy to locate and return. In their books "Guided Reading" and "Guiding Readers and Writers," authors Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell suggest organizing baskets in the primary grades by level, author and genre. In upper grades, they recommend arranging containers by level, genre, author and series. A well-organized classroom library helps teach young readers how to select books for entertainment, practice and fluency.
  
  

Displays

• Instructional experts D. Ray Reutzel and Parker Fawson at Scholastic stress the importance of displays in a classroom library to encourage students to interact with books and print. Hang posters on walls and create bulletin boards that feature authors or book covers. Include pocket or hanging charts of poetry with a variety of pointers. Display books for an author study or the study of a non-fiction concept in a wedge-shaped rack. Label special baskets for student-created books and big books. Rotate displays on a regular basis to keep students interested and engaged in the classroom library.