“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” —Walt Disney

The other night, I laughed while comparing library fines with a homeschooling friend of mine—all the years of checking out books…all those late fees! She said, “Sometimes we hand each child’s card to the librarian and ask which one has the least amount of fines today? We will use that one to check out.”

In attempt to stay fine-free, here is a library bag we made to keep books more organized in our house this year.

What you’ll need:

  • 2 twelve-inch pieces of sturdy fabric for the outside of your bag
  • 2 twelve-inch pieces for the inside of your bag
  • 2 straps, each 2 feet long

Directions:

  1. Sew together front pieces, leaving the top open. Sew together inside pieces, leaving the top open.
  2. Turn front pieces inside out and turn inside liner right side in (so it shows fabric upon opening up the bag). Take your two straps and place them in between the top of your two fabrics—one on the left, one on the right—creating two handles.
  3. At the top, fold in your fabrics and pin, making way for your seam and your handles to meet. Sew seam and handles. Reinforce the handles.
  4. For an extra touch, add your child’s initial to the bag or some pockets for pens, cell phone, etc.