Transforming student experiences with the school library
School libraries are evolving to become powerful hubs that support students’ academic attainment and personal wellbeing. It’s no longer just about books; many librarians act in a pastoral capacity and school libraries are becoming multipurpose venues that can truly change people’s lives.
This blog outlines some expert tips on how you can encourage students’ library use with a diverse range of fun activities and events to boost confidence and wellbeing.
Read on to find out more.
School libraries are changing. No longer somewhere that people get ‘shushed’, and no longer just about books, they’re busy and vibrant hubs that can support young people’s academic attainment and mental wellbeing.
With the right approach – and the support of some effective secondary school library software – your school library can be transformed into a dynamics space that can can truly change young people’s lives.
From ‘quiet area’ to vibrant student hubs
Libraries used to be a place for quiet study and independent reading. While there is still very much value in that and having a quiet space for students to study and spend time along, many librarians are now taking creative approaches to make reading and learning more inclusive to a wider school community.
Implement reading challenges
Some high school students may be confident enough to choose their own books and follow their own reading path. Others may need guidance and encouragement, and to feel that reading is an inclusive activity. Reading challenges like ’16 before 16′, which promotes 16 must-read titles, provide a fun and competitive framework to encourage reading. Students can be awarded house points or a certificate, helping to boost confidence and nurture inclusivity that benefits the whole school community.
More than just a reading space
Encouraging student’s library use doesn’t have to always revolve around reading. As we know, many school libraries play a supportive role in student’s wellbeing and mental health ensuring a positive library experience.
Events and games sessions
Most school libraries have lunchtime or after-school clubs, but what about mixing book related activities with Murder Mystery challenges, games sessions, or crafting groups. If you want to keep it related to reading, these games could have a book or genre theme. Utilising the space as a place for more reluctant readers to congregate will ensure a more inclusive environment and give students a sense of belonging. It can also boost the confidence of those students who find the library experience more daunting, encouraging them to use the space more often.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
The modern school library is becoming a sanctuary for students. A UK-wide study conducted in 2015 showed that reading for pleasure helps promote stronger feelings of social inclusion, greater ability to enjoy social occasions, and enhanced openness and talkativeness.
Mindfulness sessions and bibliotherapy
Your school library can act as a space to support students’ mental health and wellness nurture resilience. What about hosting a mindfulness session in the library after school? Libraries can also act as quiet, calming spaces for studying or a haven to destress, particularly during and in the run up to exams. Extended hours and exam-focused study sessions can offer students a space to study and focus, while practice tests as well as books and journals related to the curriculum, and emotional support for students feeling overwhelmed or seeking advice and guidance can boost wellbeing. Libraries really come into their own during exam season and support students both academically and personally.
Amplifying the library’s impact
With every event or activity, you need to promote it to your audience – your students. Leverage the use of the school social media, newsletters, teaching staff, posters and adopting effective library management software is essential to getting the word out them and boosting your library’s reach and impact. On Reading Cloud, the customisable homepage allows librarians to easily post about their star pupil, book of the week, library event or theme, ensuring that every student is kept up to date with the goings on in the library.
From reading to thriving
The modern school library is a vibrant and inclusive hub that can transform student experiences and outcomes. By embracing a student-centric approach and a more holistic use of the library space, your students will thrive both academically and personally.
Ready to transform your school library?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your students’ library experience. If you’re not yet part of the Reading Cloud family, now is the perfect time to find out more about what we can offer your school. Book a no obligation demo with one of our expert Sales team today and discover how Reading Cloud can transform your school library.
