Building your Own Little Library
Introduction
If you want to create your own little library, either for your own family or for use as a community reader, we have some ideas for you.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to create your own physical library of books in order to become a volunteer reader. I’ve known community readers who source all their books through the school library and/or the public library. However, even if you decide not to create your own physical library, you may want to create your own list of books that you like for various ages or scenarios. Or, you can use My Little Library for this purpose.
Create the shelves
You can start very small. You can get a small box or basket and fill it with children’s books. Or you can take one or two lower shelves in your existing bookcase to use for the kids’ books. Books should be at their level so they can touch them and reach them. Always make sure that your bookcases are safely secured so if the child tries to climb up the bookcase, the bookcase won’t tip on them.
For my personal library, I purchased these bookcases. They came with the brackets to secure the bookcase to the wall. I also purchased these display shelves which I installed at kid height so I could display and highlight different books. I love the idea of the display shelves because when my family members visit, there is always something new to catch their eye.
Create a sense of space
You’ll want to create a sense of ‘space’ if you can. Create a sense of space by using an area rug, and/or floor pillows and decorations that make it clear that this is the ‘Children’s Library’. Kids don’t mind sitting directly on the carpet but it’s nice to have some floor pillows or soft blankets to make the space cozier. The adults may not want to sit directly on the floor though. In this case, you may want to get a large chair, perhaps a bean bag chair, or a small couch that the adult and child(ren) can fit on comfortably.
When I volunteer at the local elementary school, I like to bring a small blanket or even a large towel for us to sit on. This makes the space feel more special (just for us) and makes the reading ‘event’ feel more special.
Supply Good Light - Natural Light is Best
If you can position the reading space near windows and supply natural light during the day, that is ideal. But include good reading light of some kind for when the sun isn’t out.
Reduce distractions
Reduce distractions as much as possible: turn off the radio and TV. Put away and silence the phones, etc. I do not recommend toys in the reading space, other than possibly a stuffed animal or two. You do not want the child to become distracted by the toys.
Encourage your children to personalize the space
If creating your space for a particular child or children, get their input on how to style the space and which books to include in it. Perhaps your child can create their own art or signs for the space. Allowing kids to choose their own reading material is a key to success. If the child chooses the books themselves, they are much more likely to read them.
Choosing the books
Of course, the real value of the library is not the shelving or the furniture or the decorations. The real value of the library is the books themselves.
I always recommend starting with the books that you loved as a child, or the favorites you found along the way. Having your own library is a joy, so start with the books that brought you joy.
What books you add next depends on what your use/vision is for the library. Check out this article for a detailed look at how to choose which books to add to your personal library.
However you decide to approach this, make sure you leave room for your library’s future! In general, there is a two-thirds rule for bookcases: leave a third of the space open. Some open space in your shelves allows your eyes to rest and it makes the library feel more approachable. I like to decorate the open spaces on the shelves with some faux plants and/or stuffed animals.
A library is constantly evolving. In the public library, they go thru a “culling” process periodically where they get rid of books that are in bad shape (or aren’t being used) to make space for the new books. As ‘your’ children get older and your little library grows and changes, you can donate the books that you cull to your local Little Free Library.
Arranging the Shelves
How you decide to arrange the books on your shelves is entirely up to you. The most common way to organize children’s books is by age group, then by author’s last name. ‘Baby books’ (also called early picture books) are intended for birth to 2 or 3 years old. ‘Picture books’ are books intended to be read together with children and are appropriate for ages 3 to 8. At some point kids will want to start reading books themselves, usually between ages 5 and 8 depending on the child. These books are called ‘Early Readers’ or ‘Easy Readers’. These books are designed for young children to read themselves with very simple vocabulary, engaging visuals, large fonts, etc. Once the child masters the Early Readers, then they can move on to ‘Early Chapter’ books.
Some Examples
Here are some web pages that I found with good ideas and suggestions for building your own children’s library:
