Resources to help school and district administrators evaluate the effectiveness of classroom libraries.
Classroom Libraries: A Guide for School Leaders
Classroom Libraries: A Guide for School Leaders
Resources to help school and district administrators evaluate the effectiveness of classroom libraries.
What the Research Shows
Classroom libraries strengthen instruction and help improve outcomes through daily opportunities for independent reading.
60% More Reading
Students with access to classroom libraries read 50–60% more.¹
Higher Test Scores
Students with classroom libraries perform better on standardized assessments.¹
Better Classroom Management
Classroom libraries help keep the class on task while teachers work with small groups.
¹ Neuman & First Book, 2022
Why This Matters Now
Many students struggle to finish full-length texts. A new paper explores how independent reading of classroom library books can build the stamina they need.
"The single factor most strongly associated with reading achievement—more than socioeconomic status or instructional approach—is time spent reading."
—Dr. Stephen Krashen, The Power of Reading
Putting the Research Into Practice
Guided by evidence, Scholastic partners with districts to build effective classroom libraries that provide:
Instructional Alignment
Support evidence-based instruction with books and materials curated by literacy experts.
Value
Stretch literacy budgets further with a minimum 25% savings off the cover price.
Scale
Meet even the most complex literacy objectives with a partner who reaches 35 million children each year.
Reliability
80% of purchasers return to Scholastic to build their classroom libraries.
How to Build Collections Systemwide
Literacy experts recommend 1500 books per classroom library. A phased approach makes it possible to build classroom libraries at scale over time.
Start with 750 Books
in a single classroom library
Add 250 Books
per year for three years
Reach 1500 Books
by year three
Assess Your Current Classroom Libraries
Use this 5-point checklist to evaluate whether your classroom libraries are positioned to support literacy growth, student engagement, and effective instruction. Do your classroom libraries:
- Support Learning Goals
Do your classroom libraries reinforce district curricula and literacy objectives through a wide range of text types, genres, and topics?
- Reflect Your Students
Can students see themselves, their experiences, and their interests represented in the books they read?
- Expand Knowledge
Do collections expose students to new ideas, topics, perspectives, and content areas that build background knowledge?
- Include Grade-Level Texts
Do students have regular access to grade-level texts that support rigorous learning alongside independent reading choices?
- Incorporate Student Voice
Do teachers regularly seek student input to ensure collections remain relevant, engaging, and well used?
How to Strengthen Your Classroom Libraries
When district leaders prioritize funding for classroom libraries, they send a clear message: reading matters here. Here's what you can do:
- Dedicate budget lines for library refreshes
- Share guidelines for high-quality collections
- Invest in relevant professional learning
- Integrate digital platforms to expand access to reading
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore Scholastic's ready-made collections, build a custom solution, or connect with a classroom library specialist.
Build a Collection
Use Book Wizard to create a custom collection that aligns with your budget, grade levels, and more.
Explore Custom Options
Consult with our classroom library experts on a solution that meets your needs.
Explore Scholastic Classroom Libraries
