Building Classroom Library Bulk

Are you looking to build classroom library selection for your students on a teacher’s budget? I know how limiting that can feel – especially if you’re just starting out! I’ve spent years building up my 2nd grade classroom library. We all know how important it is for us to offer a large library of varying topics and genres for our students. We want them to experiences many types of texts so they can become proficient readers and eventually find a love for learning! But teachers’ budgets don’t typically account for hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of classroom library sets.

No fear! I have some of the best tips for building classroom library bulk for FREE … and as close to free as possible.

1 Check out Half Price Books

Looking to get books without paying a penny? Check out this program that Half Price Books offers. They have a donation program just for teachers. You can apply to get free books for your classroom. You can use the link HERE to claim your free box of books.

2 Scholastic Book Clubs

This is one way I’ve kept my library stocked for years! I joined Scholastic Book Clubs my first year as a teacher. Since then I’ve literally earned hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of books. Plus, I still have a bank of point that I can use to order more at any time.
Here’s the catch: You (or your students) have to order books in order to earn free books. Each month you’ll send an order form home with your students. For each dollar spent you’ll earn credits in a point bank. Over time those points add up and you can use them to order books. There are also book packs given each month depending on how many dollars worth of books were ordered. You can use the link HERE  to join Scholastic Book Clubs. (Note: I can earn extra points in my point bank if you choose to use this link.)

3 Family Donations (the best for building classroom library!)

Asking families has been one of the BEST strategies that I’ve used to build classroom library bulk. Actually, it’s worked so well in the past that I’ve taken a few years off  because my library was getting too big! There was one year that sorting and labeling books became my summer project because I had so many stacks of books donated.
Here’s what I do: Each school year, my students use book bags to take classroom library books home. Eek! Yes, that’s scary and I do lose many books this way. You can read more about the pros and cons of take home reading bags HERE. Anyway, at the end of the school year I send out an “all call” message for any of my classroom library books that they might have forgotten to bring back. They’ll often find them on their own bookshelves, under beds and under couches. At the end of my message I also add in a blurb about donating 2nd grade appropriate books that they’re finished with. If your second grader is their youngest in the family, there’s a good chance they’ll send in a few books … or maybe even a whole series!

4 Amazon Wishlist

Creating an Amazon wishlist is quick and easy. Just click on your account – lists – create a list. Name the list whatever you want and start adding books. Once you’re finished, you can select “invite to list” and share a link with whoever. I’ve seen teacher friends share these on Facebook as a plea to friends and family to donate books. I’ve also heard of teachers putting the link in the bottom of their welcome letter because many families enjoy bringing a small gift to open house. Finally, it can be shared during the holiday seasons like Christmas, Teacher Appreciation Week, etc.

5 Yard Sales & Garage Sales

During the late spring and summer there are usually a lot more yard sales and garage sales. Take advantage of your flexible summer schedule and hit up as many as you can. This is sure to help you with building classroom library selection. You can find sales on Facebook or even websites like yardsalesearch.com.

6 Local Libraries

Did you know public libraries often have book sales? They sell gently used books for super cheap prices. Sometimes they even sell the books by the boxful! You can find local sales by using booksalefinder.com and searching by zip code.

Now you’re ready to build classroom library bulk. The hunt is on!

Now you’re prepared to start your hunt for a fully loaded classroom library! Hmmm what to do with that extra cash you’re saving? If you’re looking for some teacher essentials, check out these teacher must haves HERE!