Teach-Primary-Issue-19.7

teachwire.net/primary 81 S chool libraries are full of surprises, and I am not necessarily referring to the chicken that once sidled up next to me as I tidied the bookshelves in a lovely school! I am talking about the untapped potential within your library space. Setting aside regular time to stop, think and gather inspiration for your library is so important. Forget Instagram, it is your school community that will provide the best feedback and new ideas for your setting. Invite colleagues and pupils to talk to you about the library. What would pupils like to see more of? What do staff need to help them deliver the curriculum? Does the library feel accessible to the whole school? While it's important to consider every aspect of the library, its heart is its book collection. I remember working with a school that had a gorgeous new library; the space was light, open and inviting, but a quick look through the shelves made it clear why it wasn’t being used: the books were old, dusty, irrelevant and uninteresting to the pupils. This was an extreme example of outdated stock, but it highlights the importance of regularly reviewing and auditing your book collections. Here’s how to do it successfully: Get tough To do this properly, you will need time and space, so I recommend planning to conduct your audit at a time when pupils are not accessing the library. As you are assessing each book, ask yourself: is it suitable for your pupils, their age and interests? Does it support the curriculum? Will it encourage reading for pleasure? Don’t be afraid to weed – if you find yourself surrounded by piles of different books; one for discarding, one for repairs, one for re-shelving, then you’re doing it right! Don't be blinded by nostalgia, either. I completely understand the warm feeling created by books from our own childhoods, but those books will not necessarily inspire, excite and engage today’s children. Get some help The more knowledgeable you are, the more impact you can have on your pupils. Take steps to actively increase your book knowledge and seek advice and recommendations from suppliers, children’s book bloggers and organisations like the School Library Association. If you are tackling the audit yourself, make sure you are equipped with the right tools - an auditing spreadsheet is a must - and recruit some allies. Involving other staff members or capable parent volunteers can help you feel more confident in your decision making. Sometimes the best investment is professional expertise. A specialist consultant can bring knowledge, speed and fresh eyes to an audit. They'll spot issues you might miss and suggest replacements you hadn't considered. Budget for new stock Your book audit will inevitably highlight gaps in your collection. Your school budgets should include ring-fenced funds to update the library books, but if not, speak to your PTA, start a wish list and share it with local businesses, make the most of discounts and sales, or see if you can team up with a local bookshop to accept donations on your behalf. No budget doesn’t have to mean no books! Updating your school library with fresh titles is a brilliant way to create whole-school excitement around reading. Take some of the new books to assembly and perform a live un-boxing, make displays sharing more information, or invite teachers to read and discuss their favourite books in the library. The newly renovated library I mentioned earlier saw a huge increase in pupil visits after they updated their stock. The space became a hub of the school community, and the library experienced a steep increase in loans. Where there was once a beautiful space, there was now a real reading community, that grew from a collection review and audit. Putting time and care into evaluating the books that are on your shelves can make an impact on your pupils that will last a lifetime. Don’t look at the limitations – look at the opportunities. Small changes can make a big difference. TP Breathe new life into YOUR LIBRARY www.teachwire.net | 81 Hazel Murrell is community and engagement officer at the School Library Association. sla.org.uk An audit canmake a world of difference to your school’s reading culture, and help build a strong community, says Hazel Murrell T E ACH RE AD I NG & WR I T I NG