Back-to-School Classroom and Library Supplies Buying Guide

The school year can get busy fast, especially when you can’t find the supplies you need. Something as small as running out of book repair tape or not having enough storage can become one more thing to deal with once students are back.

The weeks leading up to the new school year are a good time to see what is still in the classroom and library, what has been used up, and what needs some attention. You may not need to replace as much as you think.

Here’s what to look at across your classroom and library, plus some practical ways to decide what really needs to go on your back-to-school shopping list.

What Should You Check Before Buying Back-to-School Supplies?

Don’t rush to add everything to your back-to-school shopping list. First, take a quick look at what’s already in the classroom and library. You may find supplies that can be used for another year, along with items that are running low, damaged, or simply no longer useful. 

Start with the supplies that get used throughout the school year. In the classroom, that means checking shared supplies, storage areas, filing materials, and everyday items. In the library, look through the repair area, shelves, labels, book supports, and other collection-care supplies.  

It’s also worth looking at items that help keep things organized, such as labels, storage containers, shelf markers, and book supports. These can be easy to overlook because they aren’t always part of the usual school supply list.

From there, sort your needs into three simple groups: restock, replace, and repair. Restock the things that are running low, replace anything that is no longer useful, and repair materials that can still be kept in circulation. This gives you a clearer idea of where your budget needs to go before you start ordering.

Essential Classroom Supplies to Review and Replenish 

Some classroom supplies disappear faster than others once students are back. These are worth checking before you place the next order:

1. Pens and pencils: Check what you already have before ordering more. If your classroom is running low on these supplies, add them to your next order.

2. Pencil sharpeners: Try the sharpeners that are already in the classroom. If they leave pencils uneven or have started struggling with regular use, it may be time for a replacement.

3. Classroom caddies: Caddies are handy for keeping shared supplies together instead of sending students back and forth to the supply cupboard. Carr McLean’s STOREX Large Teachers Classroom Caddy Set can hold pens, pencils, scissors, craft materials, and other small items.

4. Storage containers: Check the bins, trays, and containers already in use. Replace any that are cracked, damaged, or missing lids.

5. Labels: Labelled cupboards, bins, files, and containers make shared supplies much easier to find. They can also help students put things back where they belong.

6. Filing supplies: Worksheets, records, handouts, and other classroom paperwork can pile up quickly. Check your folders and filing supplies before the new term starts.

7. Arts and craft supplies: See what is left before ordering more. You may already have enough of some materials and only need to fill a few gaps.

What Back-to-School Library Supplies Should You Stock Before Students Return?

Check the library work area, shelves, and supplies used for book repair and collection organization. Some materials may need replacing, while others just need to be restocked.

1. Book repair supplies

Keep the basics close by, including book tape, hinge tape, mending tape, adhesive, and book corners. Carr McLean's CARMAC® Book Repair Supply Kit is another option if you want several common repair materials together.

2. Labels and label protectors

Call-number labels, classification labels, barcode labels, and colour-coding labels help keep the collection in order. Check older labels for peeling or damage and replace them where needed. Label protectors can help keep new labels from wearing out quickly.

3. Shelf markers and labels

Clear shelf and section markers make it easier for students to find what they're looking for without asking for help every few minutes. Check that existing markers are still readable and in the right places.

4. Book supports

Check the book supports on your shelves too. They help keep books upright when there’s empty space between sections.

5. Circulation supplies

Have a look around the circulation desk and see what staff actually use day after day. Replace anything that's running low or no longer working properly before the library gets busy again.

6. Storage and filing supplies

Repair materials, labels, paperwork, and other small items need somewhere to go. Good storage keeps the work area manageable and makes it easier to find things when they're needed.

Should You Repair or Replace Damaged Library Books?

Not every damaged book needs to be replaced. A closer look at the damage can tell you what is still worth repairing. 

When is it better to repair a book?

Take a look at the book itself before making the call. If students still use it regularly, the title is hard to replace, or the damage is fairly minor, repairing it may make more sense. A good repair can give a well-used book more time in the collection.

When should you replace it instead?

There are times when repair just isn't worth it. Serious water damage, mould, missing pages, or a badly damaged binding can make replacement the better option. It also helps to consider how much the book will cost to replace and how much time and material a repair would take.

What should you keep around for book repairs?

It helps to have a few basic repair supplies on hand instead of waiting until a book needs fixing. Book repair tape, hinge tape, mending tape, adhesives, and book corners can take care of many common repairs. Carr McLean also offers book repair kits that bring several of these supplies together, which can be handy for a library work area.

Back-to-School Classroom and Library Supply Checklist

Use this as a quick check before placing your back-to-school order. You may not need everything on the list, but it can help you spot the supplies that are running low or need replacing.

Classroom supplies

• Pens and pencils
• Pencil sharpeners
• Classroom caddies
• Storage bins, trays, and containers
• Labels and label holders
• Filing folders and document storage
• Arts and craft supplies

Library supplies

• Book repair tape and mending materials

• Hinge tape and adhesives

• Book corners and repair kits

• Call-number and classification labels

• Barcode and colour-coding labels

• Label protectors

• Shelf labels and markers

• Book supports

• Storage and filing supplies

Before placing the order, sort what you find into three groups: restock, replace, and repair. It’s a simple way to see where the budget actually needs to go.

Getting Ready for the New School Year

Back-to-school shopping is easier when you know what the classroom and library actually need. Check the supplies already on hand, deal with the books that need repair, and make a note of anything that has run out or no longer works.

That way, the new order isn't just a repeat of last year's list. You're buying the materials teachers and library staff will use, replacing what needs to go, and keeping useful supplies in circulation.

Carr McLean offers classroom, library, book repair, storage, and organization supplies for schools across Canada. Explore the collection online and order the supplies you need for the new school year.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What do I need to buy for back-to-school?

It really depends on what you already have. For a classroom, you may need things like pens and pencils, sharpeners, storage containers, caddies, labels, and craft supplies. Libraries have a different list, with book repair supplies, labels, shelf markers, book supports, and storage items usually being more relevant.

What should I check in the library before school starts?

Walk around the library and see what needs attention. Check the books for small repairs, look at worn or peeling labels, check shelf markers and book supports, and see which repair or storage supplies are running low. It’s also a good time to tidy up the library work area before it gets busy.

What book repair supplies should a school library have?

A few basics can cover a lot of everyday repairs. Book repair tape, hinge tape, mending tape, adhesives, and book corners are useful to have around. If you handle repairs in-house, keeping these supplies together also means you're not searching for them every time a book needs fixing.

Is it better to repair or replace a damaged library book?

Have a look at the damage first. A loose page or worn hinge may be an easy fix, especially if the book is still popular with students. A book with serious water damage, mould, missing pages, or major binding damage may be better replaced.

How can I keep classroom supplies from getting messy?

Give the supplies people use every day a proper home. Caddies work well for things like pens, pencils, scissors, and craft materials, and labelled bins or containers can keep everything else in its place. The main thing is making it easy to find something and put it back.

How can I save money on back-to-school supplies?

Before buying anything, check the cupboards and storage areas first. You may already have more supplies than you thought. It also helps to look at what was used most last year, repair books and materials that are still worth keeping, and spend more of the budget on things that will actually get regular use.