Dos and Don't for School Libraries

📚🧵School libraries – Philip Pullman has called for a law that every school in the UK must have a school library. theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/21/every-school-should-have-a-library-philip-pullman-calls-for-new-uk-laws I asked ChatGPT for some do's and don'ts of establishing one.

1⃣ Do make it accessible. A library that’s seldom open is a nightmare for bibliophiles. Kids should feel the magic of a spontaneous read. Visible schedules, friendly helpers, open doors – make the library a welcoming place. [img:X-Lq8Z4iE]

2⃣ Don't overlook comfort. A library isn’t just a warehouse for books - it's a space for relaxation too. Cosy reading nooks, varied seating options, soft lighting can ignite the joy of reading in kids.

3⃣ Do embrace diversity. Stockpile your library with books from across continents, cultures, and genres. Let the shelves be a window to the vast, diverse world. Remember, a book can be a child's first journey into another person’s shoes. [img:rbdI3AzKfo]

4⃣ Don't forget to categorise. Books dumped together? That's a Bermuda Triangle for readers. Use clear labels, age group segregation, and colour codes to navigate through the sea of stories.

5⃣ Do refresh your collection. Libraries are not museums. They need to grow, evolve, and refresh with time. Regularly update the collection - keep it relevant and engaging.

Creating your library is like writing a story – it’s about creating an engaging, comfortable, and inclusive world for your students to explore. Any tips you'd add to this? Feel free to RT twitter.com/simonmlewis/status/1749094517272117599