911, a favorite children’s book just suffered a torn page! You are in need of some library book care. What to do? Place it in the book ambulance so that it can be taken to the book hospital for repair!
As a classroom teacher, I found many of our classroom library books suffered from wear and tear. As a parent, I’m discovering the same thing at home. When these books were just placed back on the shelf, they were destined to further deterioration. So, I created a book ambulance.
When a child finds a book in need of repair, they place it in the book ambulance. Then, when time permits, I take the books to the book hospital (usually my kitchen table) to be repaired.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Utilizing the book ambulance helps to teach kids to respect books. Classroom teachers can keep track of the number of books that are put in the ambulance each week to compare how well the books are being cared for in the room. Children learn that books aren’t just things, but rather important gifts that should be treasured.
Making your own book ambulance is super simple. You will need the following materials:
- 1 white, red, or yellow rectangle basket or InterDesign Closet Storage Organizer Shoe Box, for Flats, Athletic Shoes, Sandals – Clearclear container
- ambulance icon printable (download for free below)
- clear packing tape
- Print the free printable and cut along the dark lines. Laminate for durability with your packing tape.
- Tape your book ambulance signs to the sides of the basket.
- Place your book ambulance in the classroom library.
When it is time for the ambulance to go to the hospital, you will need a few more things.
And what “medical” supplies does your book doctor bag need to include? Here are the tools that I’ve found to be the most helpful.
- Duck Brand Clear Packing Tape – I’ve found that this brand works the best for repairing long tears on pages and for reinforcing the binding of a book.
- Transparent Tape- 3/4″ works well for small tears on pages. Place tape on both sides of the tear for extra durability.
- Long Handle Stapler– This can be a pricey tool, but works very well for pages that have come loose in staple bound books. You generally find that the books ordered from book clubs like Scholastic or Troll have staple binding.
- Eraser- Takes stray pencil marks that little ones may have made on pages.
- Drying Rack– This won’t fit in your book doctor bag, but it sure does come in handy when a book gets wet. Fan the pages out over the drying rack and allow to air dry.
You now are equipped for those library book care emergencies. Having a few tools on hand can rescue many of your beloved books from retirement. Of course, we know that some book accidents are beyond repair. Never fear, in a future post, we will look at other uses for books that are beyond fixing. Happy book doctoring!
RELATED POSTS
Tips for Teaching Kids to Take Care of Books
P.S. Have you signed up for our FREE newsletter? Each week you get lots of literacy goodies delivered to your inbox. Take a second and sign-up HERE.
Gail says
I enjoyed this article. When I was still teaching I spent so much time repairing books. It never occurred to me to keep a weekly tally, but I think that is a great idea. As a former youth leader, seems like a great service project for kids.
SUZIE RODLAND says
INSTEAD OF CLEAR PACKING TAPE FOR FIXING BOOKS, i USE CLEAR CONTACT BRAND ADHESIVE PAPER. IT STAYS FLEXIBLE FOR MANY YEARS. i OFTEN COVER THE ENTIRE COVER OF AN OLD, WORN BOOK OR A NEW PAPERBACK I THINK WILL SEE HARD USE.
Jen Fischer says
This is so great. I absolutely love it. I would love to include it in a post I am putting together for this Tuesday. Hope that is okay.
Jodie says
That would be great, thank you!
eexpeditions says
Very creative. Love it! 🙂
Beth says
Super cute idea!! I wanted to invite you to link up at TGIF kid oriented Linky Party – http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties -I know my readers would love it too!
Beth =-)
Carla @ Whole Child Creative Curriculum says
This is wonderful! It could certainly save a few books around here! I love how it ties into an Emergency theme too! Thanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday!!
Veronica says
Cool idea. coming from Teach me Tuesday. My books are always in need of a ambulance. Thanks to my 2 year old loving them to death.
Veronica @ http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/2012/01/water-beads.html
TheBargainBabe says
So cute. I love how you used the red bath sponges too. 🙂 (Saw you at the Imagination Tree linky)
Julie@teachinggoodeaters says
What a great idea! My kids always show me damaged books at times when I’m not ready to deal with them, and sure enough, they get put back on the shelf where they suffer even further damage. Thanks for sharing!
katie says
This is such an AWESOME idea! I’m going to pin it….what a great way to teach responsibility in a fun way (and save a book or two!). Thanks so much for linking up at Thrifty Thursday! I hope you had an amazing new year!
Tracy says
Love this post and idea! One it is a great organization tool, second I love the way it reinforces respect for books.
growingbookbybook says
Thanks Tracy!
Deb says
Great idea….after teaching K kids for 32 years, I have a number of classroom books that need to see the doctor on a regular basis! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Patricia Tilton says
Very creative idea. First time I’ve seen this idea.