[missd]

I am in the midst of re-organizing my classroom library and I'm having a difficult time with one thing in particular. I am hoping that some of you creative, budget conscious teachers on the board can help me out. I have all of my books sorted and arranged in crates. I am having difficulty finding the right "materials" to label each crate. Originally, I used index cards hanging from the crates by looseleaf rings (which I would still like to use). However, the index cards got ripped within a couple of days. Then, I printed labels on the computer, laminated them, and hung them on the crates. They too ripped after some time and I don't really have access to a laminating machine right now to redo them (unless I send them out to an office supply store). So, my question is...does anyone have any other suggestions as to what I could use? I'm looking for something that will be sturdy and not cost me a million dollars. Thanks in advance for your help.

[bamagirl]

At the end of last school year, I finally decided to undertake the job of organizing my classroom library by genre. I made labels on the computer, printed them on very heavy cardstock, and laminated them. I attached them to my dollar store crates using poster putty. I'm not sure if they will last or not because we have only been in school for a little over a week. So far, so good, but I guess time will tell! I also thought about using hot glue to attach them.

bamagirl

[vateacher]

I've taken to using the clear packaging tape to tape my labels to the right baskets. Before that I was frustated by how they would rip when attached to the baskets like you're doing now. The only downside is that if I choose to use the basket for something else later on, there's sticky tape residue.

[Emily4th]

I also use clear packing tape. I didn't have any issues with them falling off, and it looked fine.

[RKM]

I organized my library this summer also in bins. I used the big shipping labels and printed the category on the label with a picture and stuck it on the bin. So, for my Arthur books - it has a picture of Arthur and says "Arthur Books" on the label. I am attaching an example.

The shipping labels are Avery #5164 - the size is 3 1/3" x 4".

Good luck!
RKM

[Bassett lover]

I wrote the category on an index card and then laminated it. I puched holes in the indes card-one on each side. Then I attached the index card to the crate using very thin "wire ties" I got at home depot. Sometimes they rip, but for the most part mine have stayed since I did this four years ago.

[Jen L]

I'm also organizing my library...what a job! I looked at Beth Newingham's website and she made labels and put them in clear adhesive floppy disk holders. I went to Office Max today and found them- they are in a pkg of 5 for 2.50. I printed labels off the computer and slipped them right inside the floppy disk holder. Then, I peeled the sticker off and put it right on my basket. So...now I also have the capability of easily changing out the labels without too much trouble.

[momallen]

I used a 3 ring binder ....
I color coded the baskets with the 3 ring binder... not a "quick thing" but it kept it together... made it more like our library as the books were 4 to a page (that I laminated) - - there was an index card with the title (the students would put their name on it with date) then put it in a "recipe" box..... the envelope had the title of the book as well.

[NoVaTeacher]

My books that have been separated by genre are in wooden crates, and I put the label (address labels by Avery) directly onto the bookcase. I label it with the genre and I put a sticker to the right of where I wrote the genre. All of the books in that crate have the same stickers on the back cover so my students know where to return them. For example, my animal books have a bird sticker on them. My fiction books are in plastic crates (Wal-Mart had a wonderful sale on them last year), and I put the label directly on the end of the crate.

[Rita1stGrade]

I printed the labels and backed them with construction paper. I laminated them and then attached them with sticky velcro dots.

[BookMuncher]

I've never had a problem with my laminated cards. I have a posterboard backing and a pretty scrapbooking paper on the front. I actually change my "featured" baskets all of the time, so then I just put a large post-it note over top of this book plate. It only has to stay for about 2-4 weeks, so they never fall off. I attach my plates by hole punching the top two corners and tying it on with ribbon (knotted). It looks inviting, and I've never noticed any wear.