Build a Classroom Library on a Budget

So you’re needing to build a classroom library, but you are on a tight budget?  Yep, that teacher salary isn’t enough to splurge on Scholastic Book Fair books until your bins are full…#truestory Here are a few tips that can help you build a classroom library on a budget!

We all have a dream of creating the perfect space for our students to snuggle up with a book and read until their little hearts are content.  In reality, classroom libraries are the most stressful and expensive areas of the classroom, but you can create a gorgeous library just like this one by getting QUALITY books for a fraction of the price!

Top 3 places for great selections and amazing prices!

1.  The Book Bundler is a website that provides a variety of book options.  The bundler that I chose was a box of 100 mixed children’s books for $50.  When the box arrived, my 7 year old immediately sorted through the box finding some of his favorite titles.  I was actually shocked that we got so many great ones.

2.  Not all thrift stores are the same, right?  I have always been the kind of gal that hated shopping at thrift stores because of the old lady smell…sorry, but it is the truth!  If you smell like an old lady, you have permission to click the exit button and leave this page.  Sorry to offend!  I did discover on a shopping trip with my mother in law that Goodwill is an awesome place to find gently used picture books!!!  BUT, always check the price first!  I shopped at one store where the books were priced around 65 cents per title and at another they were $1.23 a book.  So, be careful!  Know what is a good deal and what is not!!!  Don’t spend more than a dollar a book!  I did luck out one day when all books with a blue sticker were half price so ask for any discounts or deals that they have going on.  Speaking of that old lady…if your mother in law can get the senior discount, sneak your books into her cart, just saying.

3. This last one has become a HUGE obsession of mine!  I recently joined some facebook pages that were recommended by a few friends in my Keeping Up with All Learners group.  Basically, teachers post things for sale and then, other teachers can buy their materials and resources.  Many are selling amazing books and multiple copies of them as well!  Most are priced around $1 a title, but some teachers will sell book sets or larger sets for much less. This makes it even more appealing.  Want to know something even better?  Some of my books have arrived already leveled by their Lexile and Guided Reading Level!!!!  Yes, you just read that right.  Such a time saver for me! My current favorite is Teachers Bargain Basement!  Click here to request to join.

Also be sure to post in your local yard sale pages!  Mention you are a teacher in need of children’s books!  Many will comment and even donate books!

That’s all I have for now friends, but as I learn more and find more deals, I will be sure to come back and update this post with all the best tips and tricks!  Enjoy, and happy hunting as you build your classroom library on a budget!