Getting Kids Excited About the Library

At Storyglory, we know well how important a school library is, and we want to help you refresh your library to keep students excited about all it has to offer. Here are just a few tips to raise student and community interest to ensure your library is a vibrant hub of learning and community.

Invite Student Input for a Title Refresh

Is it time to add a few new titles to your library? You can develop student enthusiasm for the library by getting students involved in the refresh—even if you're still the one making final decisions. Consider placing a suggestion box in the library where students can request titles they'd like to see.

If your school includes older students—middle school or higher—consider putting together a small library-focused student council (give it an important name like "Literacy Leadership Council" or "Student Council for Library Advancement"). A small team of enthusiastic students can help plan events, put together decorations, and let you know what kids their age would like to see more of in the library.

Add Some Multi-Media Features

Libraries are increasingly making use of Makerspaces to get students in the door and excited about everything the library has to offer. If new technology is in your budget, purchase an affordable 3D printer and use it to print a main character or object from each chapter book read-aloud that you complete together, to remain in the library as the class or grade's "book trophies." Let each grade's collection of "book trophies" compete to win the most shelf space.

If you prefer the low-tech route, consider setting aside a corner of the library for craft supplies and other creative items (e.g., sewing supplies, Play-Doh, baking clay, or coloring books). Allow kids to work on crafts while listening to you read, especially when the craft is related to the book. For example, read Mac Barnett's Extra Yarn while allowing kids to finger knit.

Host Student Groups in the Library

Encourage student clubs to meet in the library if space allows. Having some tables in your library might provide room for a chess club to meet—or any board game club! You might also consider supporting literature-minded students in starting their own literary clubs with the library's sponsorship.

Creative writing clubs and book clubs are both great options that are natural fits for the library, and these will draw students into deeper engagement with the services you provide. For high school students, a comfortable lounging space may promote reading together or studying together.

Deepen Relationships with Your School's Parents

Putting together events that bring families to the library is a great way to get parents through the doors and directly in contact with the amazing resources you provide! Storyglory's book fairs are just one example of a library-hosted event that can get parents and students alike excited about books, but there are many other options.

A projector and screen can turn into a monthly movie series featuring the best book adaptations. A makerspace can turn into informal classes on how to sew, knit, or paint—all the better if you enlist skilled parents to help teach those classes! Send a monthly newsletter with read-aloud title suggestions that will get families of all ages reading together beyond the picture book years.

Consider hosting a parent book discussion on Sarah Mackenzie's The Read-Aloud Family or Meghan Cox Gurdon's The Enchanted Hour — to help parents become as passionate as you are about the unbelievable and scientific benefits of whole-family, shared literacy.

How have you worked to increase enthusiasm and engagement with your library? What have been your most successful endeavors? We'd love to hear from you — respond to our newsletter with your top tips on getting kids excited about the library and let us know if we can share your ideas within this community.