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How students find books in our library
Genrefication in our library is designed to help students feel confident, independent, and successful as readers. By organizing the collection by interest area and pairing it with a clear color-coding system, students can easily explore books that match their preferences, reading needs, and curiosity. This structure supports multilingual learners, developing readers, and anyone who benefits from a welcoming, intuitive layout.
Genrefication Overview
At Alvin Brooks Middle School, our library collection is organized to support independent reading, equitable access, and a strong sense of belonging. Designing a brand-new library gave us the opportunity to build a system grounded in student interest and supported by current research and AASL guidance.
Grouping books by genre creates immediate, meaningful pathways for students to find titles they enjoy. This approach increases engagement, reduces overwhelm, and helps multilingual learners and developing readers navigate the library with confidence. It also supports DESE’s expectations for inclusive and culturally responsive programs by removing barriers and helping all students experience success as readers.
A genre-based layout also strengthens our literacy efforts by giving students quick access to books that match their interests, identities, and reading goals.
How Students Use Our System
The genrefied layout helps students learn how to choose books independently. First, students browse by genre. Then, color-coded spine labels help them locate books within each section quickly and easily. This structure supports all readers — including those building reading stamina or learning English — and makes the library an inviting, low-stress space to explore stories, topics, and formats they love.
This design builds independence, curiosity, and strong reading habits.
Genre Navigation Tools
These bookmarks were created for our first library challenge and are used throughout the year to help students understand our two-step system for finding books. They reinforce independence and help new students, multilingual learners, and developing readers feel confident in the library.
FindaBookABMSbookmarks.pdfWhy Genrefication Matters
increases circulation and reading engagement
supports multilingual learners
aligns with student choice and independent reading research
reduces decision fatigue
makes the library more equitable and accessible
reflects the interests and identities of our students
complements reading challenges and book discovery events
Our students read more when the library feels easy to navigate.
Genrefication eliminates barriers so every student can feel successful as a reader.
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