HOW TO SET UP AND MANAGE

A CLASSROOM LIBRARY

What is a Classroom Library? When can a Classroom Library be used?

Once you have your classroom library started, you have to create
time for children to interact and read the books. Encourage them to
use the classroom library resources to support their learning
processes; i.e. making use of reference material like
encyclopaedias, dictionaries and atlases is a skill that has to be
taught. The classroom library is a good source for learners to read
for pleasure. Children should also be encouraged to borrow books
to read at home. use their free time meaningfully. This can always
The classroom library/collection comprises a box or reading bag of READING IS TO be a free time activity to do after other assignments are finished to
theme-related resources, a reading mat, a shelf or a cupboard (may THE MIND
inculcate the culture of leisure reading.
be fitted with wheels to be used as a portable library unit) of reading WHAT EXERCISE IS
and information resources appropriate to the level of the learners in TO THE BODY Who sets up and manages ?
the class, as well as to the curriculum. The Principal with the assistance of the School Management Team
( SMT) and School Library Committee will oversee, monitor and
This collection of reading resources includes fiction, non-fiction and support the establishment and management of classroom libraries,
reference materials such as encyclopaedias, atlases and however the class teachers need to take full responsibility in
dictionaries. The fiction material can be in the form of different establishing and managing the classroom library.
genres such as animal stories, historical fiction, as sets of readers
etc. Where can a Classroom Library be set up?
It serves two purposes, viz: The box/reading bag/shelf or cupboard is placed in a position
where it is easily accessible to the learners, so that they can access
• it provides resources to assist in the teaching and learning the library resources during classroom activities or when they have
• it encourages reading for pleasure completed work ahead of their peers.
The collection should appeal to children of the target age group. It
should be levelled/graded according to the reading ages, interests, How to establish a Classroom Library
likes, experiences and abilities of the learners in the class. It should Book stock
also cover the different languages and language levels within the Various options of accumulating book stock can be explored. These
school. can include donations. The following are suggestions:

Why Set Up a Classroom Library? • If the school library has adequate stock, a school with a
Making books available in the classroom is an effective way of centralised library could also ensure that smaller resource
promoting literacy because it: collections are placed in classrooms by means of block
loans, and these must be exchanged regularly, so that
• Encourages learners to learn to read so that they learners are exposed to a range of resources.
can read to learn; BOOKS ARE FUEL • Ask your public library or mobile library about a block loan
• Inculcates the reading habit; FOR ACHIEVEMENT programme. These libraries allow teachers to check out
• Makes books easily accessible to learners; it also books for an extended period of time to use in their class
allows children to spend more time browsing and rooms
looking at books; • The school can form partnerships with key stakeholders in
the community to donate books or to raise funds to
• Creates a conducive environment for literacy purchase books for the classroom libraries.
development that will promote engagement,
excitement as well as encourage readers of all Circulation and stock control
age groups and ability levels to explore books; Every item in the classroom library needs to be recorded in an
• Encourages an enquiring mind through the accession register (this can be an exercise book). At the end of
provision of relevant information sources; every term the teacher should do stock taking to make sure that all
the items are accounted for.
• Supports the curriculum; and If books are borrowed, there needs to be a system of recording
• Promotes the acquisition of information literacy what has been issued. This can be done by using a loan register or
skills and digital literacy skills where digital a system of accession cards. Alternatively each learner can have
literacy resources are available. an index card filed in a box and the same details are recorded on
the card. They can be filed either by due date or by the learner’s last
name.