How do you answer the call of library books?
Are you stuck in the stacks, scratching your head?
Trying to navigate the numbers to find your perfect book?
Understanding the call numbers on books can be confusing – and frustrating – if you’re not familiar with the organization.
Don’t worry – this guide will explain DeKalb Public Library’s Youth Services call numbers, their organization, and how to navigate them so you can find your book bounty.
But what is a call number, exactly? A call number tells you where to find a book. These call numbers are on labels that are on the side of the book, sometimes, the label will also be on the front cover.
In the Youth Services department, there are 8 book categories:
- Boardbooks: Stories on firm pages for durability (infants to toddlers, ages 0-3)
- Easy Readers: Short picture books with few words (ages 5-7/grades K-2nd)
- Picture Books: Longer books, with more text, for adults to read to children (3-7/grades PreK-2nd)
- Nonfiction: Books with real information about certain topics(ages 8-12/grades 3rd-7th)
- Easy nonfiction (has yellow label), is meant for ages 5-8, or in grades K-3rd
- Juvenile Intermediate Fiction: Short chapter books (ages 7-10/grades 2nd-4th)
- Juvenile Fiction: Long chapter books (ages 8-12/grades 4th-7th)
- Juvenile Biography: Biographies meant for ages 8-12 years old/grades 3rd-7th
- Easy biography (has yellow label), is meant for ages 5-8 years old, or in grades K-3rd
- Graphic Novels: Illustrated stories meant for ages 7-12, or grades 3rd-6th.
- Graphic novels have a red sticker that say “graphic novels” for easy finding! If the graphic novel is nonfiction, it will be in the nonfiction area.
Our picture book call number labels may look a bit different but here’s a quick explanation:
The last line of the call number tag will tell you where to look for your picture book.
- If the call number is E BAR, you will find this book among the B’s.
- If the call number is E STORIES SERIES CRAYONS, you will find this book among the C’s.
- If the call number is E FANTASY MERMAIDS DIPUCCHIO, you will find this book among the D’s.
If you’re looking for a book online, this is how you would read the call number for picture books:
If you’re still a bit unsure, feel free to ask a librarian! We’re here to help you find whatever you need. If you’re interested in learning more about the Melvil Dewey and the Dewey decimal system, click on the following link to read our Just for Kids post: Dew you know Dewey? – DeKalb Public Library
You can also give us a call at 815-756-9568 ext.3350 if you have any questions!
