20 Amazing Ways to Upgrade Your School Librarian Life for Under $20

What’s an under $20 purchase that upgraded your school librarian life? I asked this question on the Library Learners Facebook page, and, boy, did you answer! Over 200 comments can be distilled down to these top recommendations. Sometimes, the small purchases can make a big difference in the daily life of a school librarian!

• This label scraper is great for removing stickers and labels from your school library books. You’ll find it especially useful when weeding and removing school barcode labels.
• A rolling mechanic’s stool is a bit over $20, but so useful for shelving, shelf reading and inventory scanning on your lower shelves.
• How many uses will you find for these Velcro dots? (1) Mark student seating spots on the carpet; (2) Mark student line-up spots at the library door; (3) place these under your table legs so that groups that use the library after hours know where to put them back if they move the furniture (4) number the dots so that you can move students to a specific numbered spot, if needed; (5) cover up an extension cord that’s temporarily stretched across a walkway in your library; (6) label the pathways in your library so that you can easily direct students (for example, looking for a dolphin book? Go down the red line and look to your right).
• Add flexibility to your school librarian life when you attach your signs with these Velcro dots, making it easier to switch out library signs.

• This number keypad allows students to enter their student number to check out books. One librarian was able to re-map the “+” key to type an “s” instead. This version is corded so that you don’t have to remember to charge it.
• A light box message board can ask the question of the day from your circulation desk. Suggested questions: Are you feeling curious? What’s good about today?
• You can use sticky magnets to add decorations to your library cart, like characters cut out from damaged picture books and graphic novels.
• Did you know that a heat gun can remove labels without leaving a sticky residue? Just blow hot air on the sticker for 15-30 seconds and then peel the sticker off easily.

• The plastic tray for a dog kennel can be used to keep a jigsaw puzzle together on a flat surface that can be moved. They are light enough that students can move them without help.
• This dry erase caddy will organize your school librarian life, going above your keyboard and perfect for quick notes without having sticky notes everywhere. (Is a life without sticky notes everywhere even possible? I often wonder.)
• Pick up glitter and perler beads with this little sweeper. It’s also great for cleaning up crumbs and debris around your keyboard and desk drawers.
• A pencil sharpener that actually works for colored pencils, without jamming up.

• I had no idea of the possibilities that a remote-controlled LED light bulb could hold! Place it in a lamp, and then you use it for indicating student discussion expectations. Green light= share with your partner/team; yellow light= time is almost up (10-20 seconds most of the time); red light= stop, look, and listen; standard white light is during the part where you are reading or sharing information.
• Cool off your school librarian life with a USB-powered desk fan.
• A magnetic light at your bathroom sign out can eliminate students asking if they can use the bathroom. The student leaving turns the light on and then turns it off upon return. Your students will learn that light on = no go.
• Give yourself freedom to move around during library lessons when you use a presentation remote.

• Are you already using a laser pointer to help students find books or signs from across the room? Consider switching to a green laser pointer. Your immigrant population may find the red laser triggering as it looks like a scope sight.
• A wireless bluetooth speaker teams up well with Novel Effect for read-alouds.
• Need a quiet moment for yourself or your students? A jellyfish lamp might be the answer. Yes, your students will ask you if they’re alive and if you caught them in the ocean. Maybe they can even write a story about them!
• Place your computer monitor on a swivel stand so that you can spin it around for students to see when they’re standing on the other side of the desk.

Many thanks to all of the school librarians who shared these small, but game-changing purchases! Happy reading, and happy shopping!