Library-O-Rama Day

The Peanut and I will shortly head over to school to begin work on the library -- reshelving, pulling spent books, doing repairs on the ones I can save...the usual sprint of work that gets done just prior to the start of school.

It is amazing how much needs to be done to cull the old collection.  But it also makes me happy that the books got so thoroughly used last year -- the kids were reading a LOT, and I'm thrilled to be able to say that all the little book talks, book reports and promotions and shelf talker forms we did last year really paid off in kids recommending books back and forth to each other.

Plus, I can't wait to add in the new books I've managed to squirrel away this summer from sale and remainder bins.  New books are always such a thrill for the kids -- just wish I had the funds to really do what I'd like.  But you can't have everything, where would you put it, right?

This year's round of library straightening and work is beginning a lot later.  I've put it off this year because of the Olympics, but it just can't wait any longer.

The start of school is approaching quickly, and the work has to get done regardless of my need to watch Olympic awesomeness.  This is definitely a thank goodness for Tivo day at our house.

In any case, if you need me, I'll be stamping, reshelving and just generally trying to get everything uncovered and dust free.

Am trying to find some book display holders that will work for us, but also not blow my meager budget.  I found these acrylic ones on Amazon -- anyone use these and find them to be good?  Every other one I've looked at has been horribly expansive. 

I'd like them to be sturdy enough to make it through the year so I'm not wasting my money (it's coming out of my own pocket, frankly), but at the same time I don't want something so flimsy and cheap that it falls apart or can't really hold up a book.

Here's what I did last year:

But this year?  I'm shifting my shelving around a bit and will be using my "Books We Love" area for more books in the collection.  I need to shift the display area to the top of a lower bookshelf but will need something to prop the books on so the spines don't get damaged for display.

If anyone has found book display holders that work well for them and don't cost an arm or a leg, please share a link in the comments.  

Any thoughts or ideas on that would be very much appreciated!  Being still a bit new at this, I'm always hoping to find a good suggestion!

(All photos by Christy Hardin Smith.)