Figuring out how to organize classroom library shelves for a new grade can be daunting. And even veteran teachers have years when they look at their bookshelves and think, "There's got to be a better way." Since I've experienced an evolution of my library over the years and grade levels, here's how to organize classroom library shelves in first grade.1. How to Organize Classroom Library Shelves: Determine what you have and what you need.
Do you have limited space to organize your library? I mean, obviously you do. But is there a possibility that you could expand your shelf space? Is there a top shelf that you want to utilize or one that is too cluttered that you need to clear off? I had to get creative with my library organization part way through my year and switch a tall shelf for a short one. Do you have limited books? Check out this post from the Brown Bag Teacher on where to find cheap books!
2. How to Organize Classroom Library Shelves: Measure and buy bins.
For an organized classroom library, I like to have all my bins the same color and size. You may find you need to adjust later on (more on that later). But start from a place of consistency. The bins you buy are an investment. Personally, I find dishpans from Target or Walmart are durable enough to last without being too pricey. Some people buy from school supply stores because they are more durable, but they are expensive (worth it in the long term, maybe?). Dollar Store bins are cheaper but I find they break too quickly. So weigh your options and then start shopping.
3. How to Organize Classroom Library Shelves: Sort your books into categories based on what you have.
Everyone's classroom library is different, but some of my labels include:
Science, social studies, nonfiction, math books, poetry/song books, Animals Fiction, Animals Nonfiction, Realistic Fiction, Winter, Fall, Back to School, Summer/Spring, and Encouragement.
A few authors each have their own bin too, of course. I inherited a ton of Mercer Meyer books, so I have a dedicated bin for that. I don't have as many Pigeon books, so it doesn't make sense to have a single bin just for them. They are grouped into a boarder category of "Animals Fiction." [As an aside, this works well because then kids discover related books]. In fact, I have a LOT of fictional books about animals. I actually have 5 bins worth. When you find you're getting a huge pile of one category of books, you need to go through them again and sub-categorize them.
4. How to Organize Classroom Library Shelves: Sub-categorize huge piles for yourself and match labels for your students
My first year, I tried putting subcategories such as "Animals, Nonfiction, Furry" and abbreviating it as ANF. Then the rest were ANNF because they're not furry.
I can laugh about that now.
Of course that was too confusing for 6 year olds. What I do instead is make sure there is a kid friendly coded label on each book. I have 5 Animals Fiction bins, and each has a different colored label. For my colorblind students, I also have a system of numbered dots and rings. This way I know all my purple have talking animals, all my blue are realistic fiction, all my green are my favorite 4 authors in one. But the kids can match the color more easily.
5. How to Organize Classroom Library Shelves: Check your piles before printing and sticking labels.
Finding your balance is not a science; it's an art. I hope you find my tips on how to organize your classroom library to be helpful. But it's probably not going to be perfect your first time. You want each bin to be between half full and almost full. You want to make sure all the bins fit on the shelves. You might need to run back out and get a couple smaller bins because your heart tells you you REALLY want to have Mo Willems on his own for easy access. You might find you have too many books and you need to store some in the closet to rotate through the year. And all of these situations are FINE. You might find you like it better than a totally uniform, static system. As long as you start with a plan for how to organize classroom library shelves that makes sense for your room, you can break the rules to make it livable. That's the teacher life, after all! 
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