NEWS RELEASES > MARCH 4, 2025

Protecting and Preventing Loss of Classroom Book Sets

Tips and Services to Help

Printed books are important for learning and can be a large investment, but the wear and tear by students using them each school year causes frequent book damage and loss. Start extending the lifespan of classroom novel sets with:

Book Labels
Durable “property of” book labels with the school’s name, classroom or grade levels inside each book makes it easier to recover books. Add labels for organization and to know which books are assigned to what department or grade level.
Book Cover Protection for Durability
Extend the life of a book by either reinforcing the paperbacks or investing in a more durable binding. Laminate paperbacks with thick, durable plastic to strengthen the book covers. Mylar for hardcovers with dust jackets taped on the inside can also be an option for additional protection.

FollettBound^® is also an option. While there are higher upfront costs compared to a paperback book, it offers a longer-lasting book cover and a lifetime guarantee. These aren’t just for school libraries – they can also be used for classroom book sets or student book club sets. FollettBound is as tough as a textbook, but available for popular novels and book series!
Storage and Bins
Keeping class sets organized in bins with labels and stored on rolling carts helps to keep inventory together and easy to transfer from class-to-class sharing for resources or book sets.
Barcodes with a Checkout School Book Management System
Online book checkout software isn’t just for school libraries! A district classroom library management system helps track and assign books to students to reduce loss or recuperate costs from damaged books. Using barcodes can provide electronic records for schools, allowing books to be checked out of classrooms and providing data on how your funding dollars are being put to good use. Plus, there are additional valuable tools to help with tracking student progress. For individual classroom libraries tracked by teachers, there’s a free lite version.
We recommend considering investing in a schoolwide classroom book set distribution plan with labeling, cover protection, organization, storage, and a checkout system. Save your school from book loss and streamline future classroom novel set ordering! Our team of classroom book specialists can help with the planning and budgeting to get you started.

Even More Tips for Preventing Book Loss

Regular Inventory Checks
Periodically check your inventory (e.g., After each unit, monthly, or by semester) to identify missing books early on. This helps you to address losses before too many accumulate.
Educating Students on Book Care
Regularly remind students of the importance of handling books carefully. Discuss why returning books is essential and how it helps the entire class.
Using Book Return Bins or Drop-Off Stations
Set up a specific location, like a return bin, where students can drop off books they’ve finished using. Check this spot daily to ensure books are accounted for.

Recent News

All4Ed's Future Ready Schools Launches Future Ready Librarians Framework 3.0

October 16, 2025

Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2025 — All4Ed’s Future Ready Schools® (FRS) today announced the release of the Future Ready Librarians® Framework 3.0, an updated framework that positions school librarians as catalysts for learning, innovation, and equity in today’s rapidly changing...
Read more

Follett Content Expands to Public Libraries

September 23, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 23, 2025 – Follett Content, a trusted partner of PreK-12 school librarians worldwide and leader in educational content and services, today announced it will support the children’s and Young Adult (YA) public library space. This initiative stems from the company’s...
Read more

Follett Content Hosts Public Warehouse Book Sale to Benefit United Way of Greater McHenry County's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program

September 16, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 16, 2025 – Follett Content, in proud partnership with United Way of Greater McHenry County, is excited to welcome the community to its Warehouse Book Sale on Saturday, September 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1340 Ridgeview...
Read more

Follett Content Champions Literacy Access with Exclusive Preorder Pricing on Two Fall Blockbusters

July 15, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Jul. 15, 2025 – In a bold move to support literacy and equity in schools, Follett Content is launching an exclusive preorder promotion for two of the most anticipated titles in children’s literature: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper (releasing...
Read more

Offering books featuring favorite licensed characters can engage young readers

April 10, 2025

Holden, my 21-month-old, has fallen in love. His early morning snack and “couch time” includes a dose of “Tiger!” This is toddler for, “Mom, turn on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” It inevitably leaves me singing whatever jingle is repeated throughout the...
Read more

LOCAL BUSINESS DONATES SALES TO KIDS IN NEED

April 10, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Apr. 10, 2025 – Edythe's Book Nook, the employee bookstore of McHenry’s Follett Content, is proud to announce the donation of $1,300 from its January and February 2025, sales to Kids in Need McHenry County. This generous contribution will support the organization's...
Read more