Since my blog is dedicated to reading from many different genres and exploring as many children’s books as possible, I figured it would make sense to create a post dedicated to how I set up my classroom library. And then I thought about how cool it would be to get a glimpse of as many classroom libraries as possible so other educators – or anyone interested – can see the variety of reading areas created by teachers. So, I have decided to (attempt to) create a collaborative blog post that includes pictures of libraries from different classrooms. Want to see what I mean? I have included two pictures of my library from when my classroom was in the tear-down phase at the end of June.
Because many teachers are just getting back into school over the next few weeks, I thought this would be the perfect time to take some pictures of reading spaces as they are prepared for the 2012-2013 school year. Here’s where you, dear reader, come in to make this a group effort: I would appreciate it if you send me a picture or two of your classroom library (if you have one) with any sort of description you would like to include. Or if you have your own post about this very subject, send me a link and I will gladly include it here. Please e-mail any contributions with the heading “My library” to shane DOT jensen29 AT gmail DOT com by August 30th. Show a shelf, a comfy reading space, or one book bin that demonstrates your effort to establish a great place for promoting reading. Don’t have a classroom library? Take a picture of your favorite reading space or your home library. What happens if I don’t get any submissions? Then I will just create a post that shows my current library set up with explanations of what is seen in the photos – my originally planned post.
To get all of the teachers out there inspired, here are some examples of classroom spaces that are already being posted out in the blogosphere (PS – these are great blogs to add to any reading-related RSS feed):
A fifth grade teacher, Katherine Sokolowski, shows her impressive library.
Franki Sibberson describes the great spaces she has created.
A picture from Donalyn Miller as she begins her transition into 4th grade. And another picture as things begin to come together.
(Donalyn Miller’s blog can be found here.)
Re-energized for establishing a fun reading environment yet? I hope so! I am eager to see everyone’s great reading spaces!
The Leaping Reader 
Shane, This is exactly what I am thinking about as I start to get my room back together for the school year! I am always looking for ways to make my classroom library a resource for my students. I think this blog post is so helpful because it will provide many models of classroom libraries. I am looking forward to contributing a few pictures of my 4th grade reading space. I have a new teammate this year, so I will be passing along your blog as a resource!
Thanks for sharing! I love the tall bookshelves you have in your room…I’m jealous!
Shane, nice idea to dedicate this blog to places to read. I am still waiting for a full 360 degree video of your classroom. It seems like your room has so many nooks for reading with all your shelves that I can’t quite picture it. You know what I am noticing about all these classroom library picutures? They are all so organized with the books in bins. I love this kind of classroom. When I was younger, I very much disliked the disorganized classrooms of some of my teachers. I have reading shelves, but I must say I need to create a comfy place for reading in my room. It’s not as cozy anymore since they took out the carpeting. Anyone have any suggestions for creating a comfy place without spending a lot of money?
I will be doing a post that shows everything set up at the end of August/start of September. Right now my room is just an open space of carpeting because they did the floors this week. As for creating a comfy space, I know many people who have gotten cheap throw rugs from Target or Walmart and laid those down. From garage sales, I have gotten 6 pillows with the arm rests which I keep stacked up until students take them out to use. You might also try making those t-shirt pillows that the K-3 group made for MLIT.
Since this is the first year I will not be setting up a classroom :(, I will vicariously enjoy all that everyone else is doing to make classrooms a literacy-rich environment for students! 🙂
Shane, this is a great idea for a post! I will take a picture of my library in the next week or so and send it to you!