The Do’s and Don’ts of a Primary School Library

They say, “Some books you read. Some books you enjoy. But some books just swallow you up heart and soul.” How do we ensure that our primary school libraries are more than just book-storing rooms and instead become incubators of curiosity and knowledge?

Creating a primary school library is not just a matter of getting as many books as possible from as many different sources as possible; it’s somewhat of an art. While some would argue that, like everything else in primary education, we are grossly underfunded, so the only way to have any sort of library is to beg, borrow and steal what one can. (Stealing is not recommended.)

However, a school library should be no different to any other library. (Mostly) forgetting the books for a moment, what should a school library include? Categorisation, design of comfortable reading spaces, diversity of the books, and possibly even the integration of technology, are areas to think about even from the very start. Here are some do’s and don’ts to create the perfect library space for our pupils:

Accessibility is Key

An accessible library is not just physically available but also emotionally approachable. A child should feel the pull to pick up a book and read whenever curiosity strikes. It should have open doors, a posted schedule, and a friendly librarian who is a guide rather than a gatekeeper.

Comfort is the New Cool

Comfort is more than just cushy seats and good lighting. It is about an environment that a child associates with relaxation and joy. Imagine soft carpets, cosy nooks, and the hushed whispers of imagination that fill the room.

The World in One Room

A diverse book collection can be the magic carpet that takes a child around the world. Include books from various cultures, authors of different ethnicities, languages, and genres. Each book is a new journey, a unique story, and a different perspective.

Clear Labels Lead to Exciting Stories

Disorganisation can be the biggest deterrent for young readers. Clear labels, age-appropriate sections, colour coding by genre can entice a child to explore further. It also enables them to independently pick out their next read.

Stay Relevant, Stay Engaged

An outdated library becomes a museum faster than you can say ‘Dewey Decimal’. Regularly refresh your collection, align it with the curriculum, include contemporary issues, and don’t forget to add the fun, popular reads as well!

Hello, Digital Era!

The future of reading is digital. E-books, AR and VR experiences, AI in learning have made reading interactive and immersive. Introduce tech slowly if you have the space!

The digital revolution has unveiled a new dimension in education — EdTech. Embracing digital in a library isn’t about replacing books with screens, but enhancing the reading experience. Virtual reality can transport kids to the moon or the Mariana Trench, all within the library’s four walls. AI can personalise learning, recommend books, and even help struggling readers.

The Power of Refreshing

Updating the library collection may seem like a tiresome task, but the payoff is tremendous. It keeps the library relevant and engaging. Sneak in various genres, popular science, graphic novels, award winners — the works. Keep an ear out for what’s buzzing in the children’s literary world. Remember, today’s favourite book could be the seed for tomorrow’s scientist, artist, or author!

The Grand Takeaway: Inclusion

Perhaps the greatest lesson a library teaches is one of inclusion. A book can be a window, mirror, or sliding glass door, as Rudine Sims Bishop famously said. It’s through books that children step into different worlds, viewpoints, and experiences. It’s where they find character friends who look, speak and live like them — and those who don’t.

Building a school library is akin to weaving a story. Each book a sentence, each shelf a paragraph, and each reader a character who progresses the narrative. Considering these do’s and don’ts in curating your primary school library could just turn it into the heart and soul of your educational institution, birthing a lifelong love for learning among hundreds of students. That’s far too priceless to overlook, wouldn’t you agree?