Thanks for your feedback, Allison. I just wanted to clarify - you do not like the book bins for the picture books, correct?  I thought it would be easier for the primary students to browse using the bins, rather than trying to pull books off the shelves. I was wondering - why do you find it harder for them to browse this way? Also, I think it's a great idea to use the bins for the nonfiction section! I'd like to try that, too.

On Thu, May 12, 2022 at 10:05 AM Allison Loiseau <librarianallie@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi everyone,
We have book bins very similar to the bins shown at bookbins.net. I am not sure of the vendor for ours, I will say that I find them maddening for our easy fiction books.  When I arrived at my school, all picture books were located in bins alphabetically. This setup makes it very hard for primary readers to browse.  I am considering switching my whole library around and placing nonfiction titles in the bins sorted and labeled by subject. They are currently jammed into shelves and loosely organized by Dewey. As you all can appreciate, this is a huge undertaking.  I think it will pay dividends in terms of circulation and ease of use for my patrons.  

Also, in regards to whiteboard tables, I have no experience.  I did try using these spots.  I would not recommend them. They get air bubbles that are irresistible to pop.  They are also not able to withstand elementary student-grade fidgeting and destruction. I also tried lego tape on the tables and that too was problematic.  The kids could not resist pulling it up and running their pencils over it.  I will repurpose it to make a lego wall instead. 
I hope all is well in the library community!
Sincerely,
Allison

On Mon, May 2, 2022 at 7:25 AM Porier, Anne <aporier@wallingfordschools.org> wrote:
I would like to add browsing bins to our library as well. I found these two models that are considerably cheaper than Demco, though I haven't seen any of them myself. 

https://www.bookbins.net/
https://libraryfurnitureinternational.com/products/picture-book-browsing/

I'd love to hear if anyone has reviews for either of these companies.


Anne Porier
School Librarian
Moses Y. Beach Elementary School
Wallingford CT
203-294-3950



On Thu, Apr 28, 2022 at 1:06 PM denise marshall <denisemmar@hotmail.com> wrote:
I have browsers for my junior nonfiction that came from Demco. They work great and the kids have an easy time flipping through the books to make their choices. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 28, 2022, at 12:43 PM, Ballachino, Laurie <ballachinol@mpsct.org> wrote:


Hello,

I'm thinking of moving from regular shelving units to wooden book bins for the picture book section of our elementary library, so it would make it easier for the children to browse through books. Has anyone done that in their school library yet? If so, where did you purchase the bins?

Thanks for your help!
--
Laurie Ballachino
Library Media Specialist
Bielefield Elementary School
70 Maynard St.
Middletown, CT 06457
860-347-4214
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--
Allison Loiseau
Library Media Specialist 
Mitchell Elementary School
Woodbury, CT


--
Laurie Ballachino
Library Media Specialist
Bielefield Elementary School
70 Maynard St.
Middletown, CT 06457
860-347-4214
ballachinol@mpsct.org