Library book exchange routines are such an important part of the back-to-school season! If your expectations are clear and simple for students, you’ll be ready for a successful year of reading in your library space!

Don’t you just love the first few weeks of book exchange in your library? The students are excited to be back in your space, and looking forward to a new year of reading. There are also no overdue books yet, so that makes my heart happy too!😜

I am so lucky that I can make my own choices for my book exchange routines and timelines! (I know some schools and boards have particular directives that must be followed, so be sure to check with your school administration and board protocols before you set your routines in motion.)

Here are my simple tips for establishing your book exchange routines at the beginning of the year!

Take Your Time

If you have the flexibility, be sure to take your time opening your book exchange for the year. Most classroom teachers are busy establishing routines and completing back-to-school activities during the first week, so they will not be ready to borrow books during this time. I usually open my exchange sometime during the second week of school depending on when I am ready.

I want to make sure the student circulation is ready to go, the library passes have been distributed, the books are shelved, and my fall book displays are complete. Most years I do a short library orientation with all classes, and they can sign out their first book at the conclusion of this presentation.

Decide on Your Library Routines

Taking time to plan your book exchange routines will contribute to a more seamless year.

Important Library Routines to Consider:

Book check-out procedure (self-checkout or done by an adult)
Where the sign-out line should arrange itself
Number of books students can sign out
Where and how to return books
How to ask an adult for help
Outlining areas that are out-of-bounds for certain age groups
Length of time students can visit (according to their teacher)
Use of library passes

I give every class a set of 5 library passes for the year. Check out this reel to show you how I made them! You can also grab the templates from my TPT shop.

Communicate Your Library Book Exchange Routines

Once you have established the details, you’ll be ready to share them with staff and students through an orientation style of your choice. Most years I invite classes to visit the library for an in-person session. I have used information-packed slideshows and scavenger hunts depending on the grade and engagement levels.

If you’re looking for some simple additions to your routine presentation, be sure to check out this FREE Library Etiquette Lesson and this FUN Library Book Care Guessing Game.

During the Covid years when the library was not fully-operational, I created a video for staff to share with their students. It highlighted the basic routines, and I gave a tour of the parts of the library. This is still a great option if you have a lot of classes and not enough time for an in-person introduction for every class.

You might also consider sending some form of communication to the families of your younger students, as they may not be able to relay all of the important information.

So now you’ve got a plan to get the library into action! BUT…the planning isn’t over, you’ve got lessons to plan. 😧 If you want to reduce your workload AND share some fun and engaging activities with your students, be sure to check out my Library Back-To-School Lesson BUNDLE. The time you save with these resources will give you more time to track and manage all of those library books! 😜

If you have more routines that you’d like to share, be sure to comment below with your ideas.

Wishing you smooth book exchanges ahead!

Jenn

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