Library Facts, Tips & Tricks

In celebration of Library Lovers’ Month, we’ve rounded up some library facts and useful tips and tricks that you’re sure to find interesting.

4 Quotable Facts about America’s Libraries

There are more public libraries than Starbucks in the U.S. – a total of 17,566, including branches. Nearly 100% of public libraries offer Wi-Fi and no-fee computer access.
There were 96.5 million attendees at public library programs in 2013, more than the total attendance for all Major League Baseball and NBA games combined.
Students make almost 1.3 billion visits to school library media centers during the school year, the same as attendance at movie theaters in 2014, or four times as many visitors to national parks.
Americans spend 22 times more on home video games ($16.7 billion) than they do on library materials for their children in public schools ($758,408,000).

Starting Your Classroom Library Off Right

Classroom libraries are a big step toward turning regular students, even those that might be struggling, into voracious readers. But preparing them isn’t as simple as finding a bunch of books and putting them on a shelf. You have to be just as methodical about your library as you are about your lesson plans. Here are some things to keep in mind.

The Materials You Need for the Perfect Classroom Library

Books get the most attention in a classroom library, and rightfully so. But a successful library setup takes a lot more than just piling up some books. Here are the things you need to make your space inviting and organized.

Library and Reading Corners: Decorating the Classroom

One of the easiest ways to encourage students to read more voluntarily is to create a reading corner and a library in your classroom. Students will often want to read if there is a special place for them to experience the activity, and a library will serve to allow the student to read a book of their choosing instead of yours.

Pro Tips for Organizing Your Classroom Library

What teacher doesn’t love books? The trouble with being a confirmed bibliophile is usually one of space: Just where are you going to put them all?

Growing Your Classroom Library on a Budget

You’ve put a lot of work into creating happy readers, so don’t run out of materials for them to use. Setting up and growing your classroom library is easier than you think.