When library day rolls around, I take my list, ha^e the kids bring their baskets to the computer, and one at a time we pull books that are due and mark them in BOLD before dropping them into the library bag. Any missing books are found (usually on their school desks or in a backpack) and put either back into their baskets or into the return bag. Finally, I print the library list and take it with me. I know at a glance that “Joel” has 4 books still at home, and is returning 3 books, and has room for 6 books on his card.

This way I know what I am taking back, sa^ing me dozens of times in paying for a book that the library didn’t get checked in properly, and I was able to say with certainty that we didn’t ha^e it at home. The librarians know I ha^e a list, so they ne^er question it. I just go back to the shelf and retrie^e the missing book. (I’m not sure why it takes the library 6 weeks to do that themsel^es). Also, because we ha^e a limit, I know exactly how many books to put on each card, which books are still at home, and who needs books and who has “too many” at home.

I also do this for my little sister’s family and my best friend’s family. Once I copy their lists, I email them to them and they know exactly what they ha^e out, and I can help them watch for o^er due books.

I love your book basket idea as well.

Thanks for the ideas.

I also noticed the paint colors on your walls. Could you please tell me what colors they are?

I have the SAME colors in my house, and I am trying to find the perfect green and perfect taup colors. I am afraid ! LOL!

Thanks!