Practical ideas

Practical idea - School library: Creating the right environment

23 Feb 2011

Ideally, the library should be centrally located and a designated (single-use) space. Obviously, this is not always possible, but many of the best libraries can be created through the imaginative use of stock rooms, corridors and redundant classrooms. If your library is not a central space, a little bit of creativity and vision can a go a very long way. Above all, the library should be exciting and feel different from the classroom. Below are some suggestions for creating the right environment.

Library bookshop
Rearrange the library to make it more like a bookshop. Put together themed book carousels (for example biographies) or get old dump bins from a local bookshop, create book tables and put signs on them.

Take the library out to the school community
Take a selection of books to the lunch queue, the playground or the reception area. Get library helpers to record which books are borrowed.

Informal reading spaces
As well as a study space, get the pupils involved in creating an informal reading space with beanbags or comfy chairs. Different lighting (lava lamps or fairy lights) can also create an exciting atmosphere in corners or little nooks.

Tags: Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Reading, Reading environment, School library, Schools & teaching, Teaching ideas

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