No Book Exchange? No Problem!
Try these alternatives to traditional book checkouts
We've all had those times when we can't loan out books. Whether it's planned (e.g., system update) or unplanned (power outage - surprise!), we librarians are resourceful! Here are hacks to work around those days:
If you still want students to take material home ...
Write it down
If you still want books to go home, do it the old-fashioned way and record the info or paper or an Excel sheet. Sort data by class, grade level, date or last name.
Take a photo
Say "cheese!" Take a snapshot of the student holding up their book -- get the barcode, too, if possible. Upload photos to a folder on your circulation desktop. When the student returns with the book in hand, delete the photo.
Circulate free stuff
Keep a few Ugly Book bins of discarded/donated materials. Students can borrow, share, trade and return them as they wish. (pediatricians and dentists often subscribe to children's magazines; ask for their back issues.)
If you want to go digital ...
OverDrive collection
Media Library subscribers have more than 1600 titles available for checkout anytime through OverDrive! Set up listening centers throughout the library so students can rotate through them.
TumbleBooks
Even if you're not a Media Library subscriber, you can still check out a free TumbleBook every day. Use your SmartBoard and enjoy a whole class read aloud.
E-Books provided by SLS
In your portal, you'll find an extensive collection of non-fiction titles to support curriculum. This growing library accommodates unlimited readers and includes interactive content.
If you want to lead a discussion ...
Go Classic
The Library of Congress provides a broad collection of classics for kids, teens and adults. These books are in their original form, making them perfect for discussions on historical context.
Get crafty
Open Culture features free coloring books from libraries and museums. Find images that correlate with classroom instruction to enhance comprehension of ancient civilizations, American and world history, human anatomy, and more.
Perhaps poetry?
Tune students into the rhythms of prose. Poem-a-Day is a digital poetry series featuring poems by contemporary poets. The series highlights classic poems on weekends.