A strong classroom library can be a game-changer when it comes to building literacy and encouraging a love of reading. In this episode, I’m sharing why classroom libraries are essential for middle school ELA—and how to keep yours fresh, diverse, and engaging year after year.

You’ll learn practical strategies for evaluating your library, tips for updating your book collection on a budget, and ideas for involving students in the process. I’ll also share how to make your library more inclusive by ensuring it represents a range of voices, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re building your first classroom library or looking to refresh what you already have, this episode will help you create a space where students want to read.

Read more in the show notes. 

Related blog posts: 

• The Importance of School Libraries for Middle and High School Students
• Why Classroom Libraries are Important in the Secondary Classroom: Improved Academic Success
• Ways to Restock Your Classroom Library
• Helping Students Find Just Right Books: How to Stretch Them Without Frustration

Resources for classroom library books:

• Donor’s choose
• Looks for Books
• Book Love Foundation
• Goodwill Industries Books
• Check your local library for book sales
• Check your local Chamber of Commerce for education grants

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