Starting+a+Library

Supplies needed for starting a library

- Covering material in various sizes for hardback books -- (12" and 14" are the most versatile). I would get at least 3 boxes of each size. - Filmolux laminating material for covering paperback books (if you are going to have them). This comes in different sizes as well -- get the 10" and 14" (at least 3 of each size). - Printable spine labels (to create your own spine labels in your automation program. I use the 8 across from Gaylord). Buy at least 1 package of at least 1000 labels. - Barcode labels that are printable (to create your own barcode labels from your automation program). Buy at least 1 package of 1000 labels.. - Label protectors to place over spine labels and barcode labels. I buy the 4" wide stuff. This can be cut in half longways to cover barcodes, or cut sideways to cover spine labels. I buy the continuous roll -- it is much more cost effective. Purchase at least 3 rolls of this. - Steel bookends (I use the steel ones from Gaylord. If you have wood shelves, get the ones with cork bottom -- they don't slip constantly). Don't skimp and buy super cheap ones (my district bought from a company called Quill -- they were HORRIBLE!) because you want these to be sturdy enough to hold the books without bending or slipping. Since I am in an elementary library, I like the taller ones that hold the taller books. Be sure to buy enough of them to have as your collection grows. - Attachment tape to attach book covers to dust jackets. - Reinforcing tape to reinforce spines of paperback and trade bindings. - Stamp with your library name and city -- you will need to stamp your books. - Genre stickers: while these are not a "must have" they are a "real nice to have" for the students. I generally have the holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween), plus mystery, fantasy and historical fiction. - Flash drive to back up your files. Charter schools frequently don't have much IT support, and you will definitely want to have your circulation and cataloging files backed up regularly, and you will probably need to do that yourself. - Book glue to do book repairs.