Somewhere, somehow you’ve been introduced to the idea of a “living books lending library,” a private library operated by a librarian who wants to give the gift of living books to her community. Perhaps you were once a patron of a living books library, but now you are in a new place where there is no…
Author: semicolonsherry
How do some librarians label their books?
From Mary Schubert of Pursell Schubert Legacy Library in Oklahoma: There are many ways that you can label your books. I use the Avery Return Labels Avery Easy Peel Laser Address Labels, 1/2″ x 1 3/4″, White, 2000 Labels Per Pack (5267) | Staples for my library name and label identification. Since I do not have a…
What are some resources for learning more about recognizing and choosing living books?
Moms who are choosing books for their own home libraries, and beginning librarians who are trying to select books for a new library all have the desire to learn more about what constitutes a living book, and which authors and books are worth collecting and reading. Here are some resources to help you on your…
Michelle Howard’s Library Journey
From Michelle Howard of Children’s Preservation Library in Michigan and Living Learning Libraries in Florida. Check out Michelle’s Plumfield Moms podcast interview here. Michelle’s website is a treasure trove of library resources. So you’re starting a “living books” library, or prayerfully considering such a decision! Wonderful! It might surprise you to know how great is the need. It…
Why are older books special treasures that are preferred by many living books librarians?
The mid-twentieth century is often called the Golden Age of Children’s Literature, the 1930s to the early 1970s. Books published during this time period are highly valued and sought after by many living books libraries and librarians. Why? From Michelle Howard of Children’s Preservation Library in Michigan and Living Learning Libraries in Florida: “What difference…
Why move from informal book lending to an official library? Why charge fees?
From Michelle Howard of Children’s Preservation Library in Michigan and Living Learning Libraries in Florida: Let me just respond to a question I’ve often been asked. Why not just informally lend out books? Wouldn’t that be more generous? Why make an official library out of them? What are the benefits of an actual library scenario? 1) The books…
What are some basic supplies for book care and repair?
In addition to general office supplies–permanent markers, a stapler, scissors, post-its, paper–you may want to collect a few library-specific supplies for your library. You don’t have to buy any of these things to start a library, but some of these supplies can be quite handy. There are all sorts of other supplies you can buy,…
How can I organize and shelve picture books?
NOTE: Many (most?) of the librarians simply shelve fiction picture books in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Science picture books are shelved with the other science books using whatever system of classification you are using for those books. History and biography picture books are shelved the same way in their subject areas. However,…
How do some librarians get books ready to lend?
“So many books, so little time.” Running a homeschool library adds a whole new level to this saying. 90+% of the books I acquire are library discards…
How do I organize and shelve science books?
You can start out by just putting all of your science books on one shelf or set of shelves. Arrange them alphabetically by the author’s last name, and voila!…
What do all those Dewey Decimal numbers really mean? (DDS: Part 3)
…Now, that is about the most intimidating Dewey Decimal number I can imagine–on the surface–but each of these numbers are carrying “KNOWABLE” meaning…
What is the Dewey Decimal System, and how can I use it to organize my library?
As for the Dewey Decimal system, I remember feeling confused and intimidated before learning it, but now, Mr. Melvil Dewey…
How does the Dewey Decimal System make it easier to find my books? (DDS: Part 2)
Once a book is labeled by its Dewey Decimal number, then it is (usually) secondarily labeled by the author’s last name. See, you’ll still get to enjoy your…
What are the options for keeping track of my books?
The Notebook Method: There is always good old paper and pen. You can keep a list of your books in a notebook. You can make a list of the books that people…
Ask the Librarian: Shelving Fiction
(This is part of our Ask The Librarian series. You can find the whole series here.) We apologize! This is page is not ready yet…. coming soon!