Find out how to purchase books for your classroom library on a small budget.
How are students motivated to read independently? The answer lies in their ability to make choices of what they read. However, you have twenty-something students in your class, all with varying levels and interest. In order to support all of your students you need an extensive classroom library to match them with "just right books." There are ways to build your classroom library without having to break the bank.
Scholastic Book Clubs
Scholastic Book Clubs offer great titles to build your classroom library for great prices. Plus, as you and your students’ order books, you earn bonus points for every book. The bonus points add up and enable you to buy even more books. You might even want to send home a teacher wish list with the book club flyer. Parents may be interested in granting your wish.
Scholastic Warehouse Sales
Scholastic also offers warehouse sales on specific dates in the year. Every state has a warehouse and usually holds events several times a year. You can buy books at least 50 percent off the retail price. Plus they send you a coupon for money off your total purchase.
Your Local Library/Thrift Stores/ Flea Markets
Your local library usually has a section for discarded or donated books. These books usually sell from $.25 to $1.00. Also get into a habit of visiting local thrift stores or flea markets every now and then for recently donated boxes of books. Being consistent with your visits will start filling your library faster than you think.
Parent Donations
At the beginning of the school year, let parents know that you are always trying to find new or used books for your classroom library. Let them know that any donations of used or unwanted books would be greatly appreciated. Plus, offer them some cute pre-printed book plates with their child’s name that they can use to donate new books in honor of holidays or their child’s birthday.
This book is donated to Mrs.______’s Classroom Library
By ___________________ in honor of ___________.
Date____________________
Literacy Grants
There are many grants out there that you can apply for to help buy books for your classroom library. Try starting with your local Target and Barnes and Noble. These two stores offer community grants which are beneficial so you won’t have to compete on a national level.
Target offers an Early Childhood reading grant for ages Birth through 9 years old with amounts ranging from $1,000-$3,000. They accept grant applications from March 1st through May 31st.
Barnes and Noble accepts proposals for donations for literacy programs at anytime. Submit your proposal to the store’s Community Relations Manager or General Manager.
Dollar General offers grants two times a year that can help build your classroom library with amounts up to $3,000. The first one is a back to school grant with a deadline usually in early August. In February they accept applications for their Youth Literacy Grant. Your school must be within twenty miles of a Dollar General Store.
Bookcloseouts.com
Bookcloseouts.com is a wonderful site that offers books at bargain prices. Most children’s paperbacks range from $1.99- $5.99.
Amazon.com Wish List
If you have titles in mind that you would really like to have, put them on your Amazon Wish List. You can create a wish list with Amazon.com and then send the link for parents, friends, and family members to view. The next time it’s a holiday or your birthday and someone doesn’t know what to get you, send them to your wish list and get exactly what you want every time.
Motivate your students to read and foster of love of reading in your classroom, by allowing students choice of their reading selection. It really is possible to offer them a wide range of choices without spending your entire teacher’s salary. It just takes a little determination and a resourceful teacher!
