Cool Features in our Libraries
In my district, we have two libraries: a grade school library (pre-K to 6th grade) and a High School Library (7th-12th grades). I work in both. There are some fun things that I try to do in these libraries.
Both libraries get new books each month. I divide my yearly budget into 9 pieces (one for each month we are in school) to purchase new books throughout the year.
Each library has a place for students to recommend books, authors, or topics that they want added to our library. I try to add as many of these suggestions as possible each month. The students are always so excited when they see their recommendations on the "New Books" shelf.
Each library is organized by genre. The students love this system because they can easily identify things they like, and I can recommend a section for them to look in, which is easy to find thanks to the genre labels. Some also like to explore different genres, which makes it easier for them to discover something new.
Our Grade School Library's cool things:
Gurty the goose: This is our porch goose that hangs out in our library. She is always dressed according to what is going on in our library. She was even the security guard for our Scholastic book fair last year. The kids love coming to see Gurty in the library.
Library stations: I noticed the students got bored while waiting for all of their classmates to check out books. I introduced library stations last year. These are simple things, like puzzles or coloring sheets, that students can do after they find their books for the week and while they wait for their classmates to do the same. It keeps them entertained, and I can focus on the students who still need help with their book selections.
Our bookshelves: I recently upgraded all of our library shelving. It was custom-made and very solid and sturdy. Most importantly, I ensured the shelves were short enough that even our preschoolers could safely reach all the books. My personal favorite feature is that all of the shelving is on wheels. This allows me to move the shelving to create more space for events!
Return Punchards: For our younger students, kindergarten-2nd grade, I have a reward system for returning their books. Each student has a Punchard. When they bring a book back, they get a punch. 10 punches get them a prize from the prize box. Teaching students to be responsible with their library books is a huge task with these younger students. I've found that this a fun way to remind them of their responsibility without feeling like I'm repeating myself or harping on them all the time. And they are so proud of themselves when they earn a prize.
Our High School Library's cool things:
Student lounge: There is a room at the back of our library that is for students to come and hang out in. There is comfy seating and charging stations. The students enjoy spending time back there, working in small groups or just getting away from the noise at the school.
Lego wall- In the lounge, one wall is filled with a 4-foot by 8-foot piece of wood covered in LEGO base pieces. The students are encouraged to create on this with other provided LEGOs. The things these students can create blow my mind!
Sequin wall: This is a 4-foot by 8-foot piece of wood covered in reversible sequins. One direction is red, and the other is silver (school colors). The students are encouraged to make designs or write messages in the sequins. It is also a great sensory/calming area.
Whiteboard: There is a whiteboard that the students are encouraged to show off their creative side on. They can draw or write on it. Sometimes I'll post prompts on it, and at other times I just let them be creative. It is always filled with awesome work.
In the future, I would like to expand our libraries to include more maker spaces, fun areas for independent reading, and to continue expanding our book collection.
(I would have loved to add pictures of my actual library for this post, but my libraries are currently housing Wildland firefighters who are protecting our community from a 148,000 acre wildfire.)
https://fsrinc.com/education/collaborate-ed-tech-blog/513-transforming-school-libraries-into-makerspaces-for-community-and-student-well-being
