Creating an Awesome Classroom Library for Middle School Has Never Been This Easy (Or This Fun!)

If you’ve ever watched a middle schooler light up after finding the right book, you know the magic a well-stocked classroom library can create. And if you haven’t had that moment yet—don’t worry, it’s coming.

Creating a classroom library for middle school might seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few intentional strategies and some tried-and-true teacher library tips, you can build a space that encourages student engagement, supports all types of readers, and becomes a reading corner your students actually want to use.

When I first started teaching sixth grade, my classroom “library” consisted of a few hand-me-down paperbacks, a crate of old textbooks, and a hope that my students would somehow turn into readers overnight. Spoiler: they didn’t.

But over the years, I’ve built a classroom library that students actually use. They sit in bean bags, pass books to friends, and even ask if they can borrow titles over the weekend. Here’s exactly how you can do the same.

Step 1: Know Your Readers (Even the Ones Who Swear They Hate Reading)

Survey First, Stock Second

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was assuming I knew what middle schoolers wanted to read. I didn’t.

Now, at the beginning of the school year, I give a simple reading interest survey. I ask things like:

What’s a book you’ve actually enjoyed (school or not)?
What do you like to do when you’re not in school?
If you had to choose between a movie, video game, or TikTok binge, which one wins?

This helps me identify patterns. Maybe this class is obsessed with scary stories. Maybe graphic novels are the go-to. Either way, I get a clearer picture—and that helps me stock books that actually move off the shelves.

👉 Want a free printable version of my survey? Check out my Reading Interest Survey on TpT (coming soon!).

Step 2: Curate a Diverse and Dynamic Collection

Representation Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

If students can’t see themselves in your classroom library, they won’t feel invited to read. It’s that simple.

Make sure your shelves include:

BIPOC authors and protagonists
LGBTQ+ characters
Neurodiverse perspectives
Students with disabilities
Varied cultural traditions and experiences

I once had a quiet student who rarely participated until I brought in Ghost by Jason Reynolds. The next day, he told me, “This is the first time a book felt like me.”

Need help diversifying your library? Check out We Need Diverse Books, an incredible resource for finding inclusive titles.

Everything Sad Is Untrue no prep novel unit

Don’t Sleep on Hi-Lo Books

“High interest, low readability” books are perfect for students who struggle with reading fluency or stamina but still want age-appropriate stories.

Look into series and publishers like:

Orca Soundings
Saddleback’s Urban Underground
Stone Arch Books

Some of my reluctant readers have finished more books in these series than my advanced readers. The best part? They feel successful—and that confidence carries into other subjects.

Step 3: Make Your Library Look Like a Place Students Want to Be

Front-Facing Displays Are Your Secret Weapon

Think about it—when you walk into a bookstore, you don’t browse the spines first. You look at the covers.

Use book stands, picture frames, or even small easels to display your books front-facing by theme, genre, or popularity. Add signs like:

“Student Favorites”
“New This Month”
“If You Like [Insert TV Show], Try This”

It’s a game changer.

Create a Cozy Reading Zone (Even in a Tiny Classroom)

I know space is tight. My room isn’t much bigger than a large closet. But I managed to squeeze in:

A soft rug
Two floor pillows
A bin of bookmarks and fidget tools

When students walk in and see that reading corner, it signals: This is a place where reading matters.

Don’t Overlabel (But Do Offer Organization)

Genre labels and shelf tags are helpful—just don’t overdo it. Kids don’t want a library that feels like they need a map to find what they want.

Try:

Color-coded bins for genres
Student-created shelf signs
Simple labels like “Graphic Novels,” “Sports,” or “Realistic Fiction”

Keep it accessible and student-friendly.

Step 4: Get Students Involved in Your Library

Let Them Help Set It Up

During the first week of school, I hand out the books and let students sort them into categories that make sense to them. You’d be amazed how engaged they become when they feel a sense of ownership.

They’ve come up with sections like:

“Books You Can Cry To”
“Fast Reads for the Bus Ride”
“Books You Won’t Hate (Promise)”

Honestly, they’re better at marketing than I am.

Encourage Book Talks and Peer Reviews

Try a few of these ideas:

“I Recommend” Cards – Students fill out cards and tuck them into the book covers.
Book Talk Fridays – Quick, casual presentations of books they’ve read.
Shelfies – Let students take pictures with books they love and post them in your classroom library.

Peer-to-peer recommendations are powerful. Middle schoolers trust each other’s opinions more than yours or mine (no offense).

Step 5: Build and Maintain on a Budget

Ask for Donations—But Be Specific

Send out a newsletter or email to families with a wishlist of titles or genres. Emphasize quality over quantity (you don’t need five copies of Twilight, trust me).

You can also check:

Local libraries with excess inventory
Facebook Buy Nothing groups
Thrift stores or library book sales

Pro tip: Have a “donate a book for your birthday” program. Some families love the opportunity to contribute.

Leverage Scholastic Points Like a Pro

I once got 17 new books for free just from redeeming Scholastic Book Club points. Every order counts, and they often have deals like “buy one, get one free” or bonus points for larger orders.

Just make sure you rotate your selections and snag a few trendy titles to keep things fresh.

Look for Grants and Freebies

Try:

DonorsChoose.org
Local education foundations
Your school’s PTA mini-grants

You can also apply for giveaways through publishers and literacy organizations. It takes a bit of time, but it’s so worth it.

Step 6: Build a Reading Culture, Not Just a Collection

Model the Behavior

If you want your students to read, they need to see you reading. I keep a “What I’m Reading” sign on my door and mention books during morning meetings.

One time I casually said I was halfway through Refugee by Alan Gratz, and by lunch I had five kids on the waitlist for it.

Celebrate Reading Without Turning It Into a Chore

Please, please don’t assign a worksheet for every book. Here are better ways to encourage and celebrate reading:

Reading Bingo – Try genres instead of titles
Read-a-thon Days – Soft music, lights off, cozy reading time
Book Brackets – Students vote on favorites March Madness–style

Keep it fun. Keep it low-pressure.

Final Thoughts: Start Small and Stay Intentional

You don’t need 500 books to have a great classroom library. You just need the right books in a space that feels safe, welcoming, and exciting.

Start with a crate of books, a comfy corner, and a few titles your students can’t stop talking about. Build from there. Watch what they read. Ask for their opinions. Make changes.

Whether you’re just starting out or revamping your shelves, creating a classroom library for middle school is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. It’s not just about filling a bookshelf—it’s about creating a reading environment that opens doors, inspires imagination, and fosters lifelong readers.