Being a brand new school librarian is both exciting and scary. All summer, you’ve planned for your new position, but today, you're feeling pretty lost.
Recently, I've been looking back through photos of my media center at Stewart Middle Magnet from the past five years. I'm working on a conference presentation for the Florida Association for Media in Education about transforming library spaces. As I look back over these photos, I'm struck by how the space slowly evolved over this
Here are 8 back to school must-haves for the library to start the year off right and make your life so much easier!
Learn the basics of how to use Microsoft Excel to create a floorplan, with a focus is on educational spaces such as classrooms and libraries.
Being a brand new school librarian is both exciting and scary. All summer, you’ve planned for your new position, but today, you're feeling pretty lost.
The start of a new year at your school is a great time to change up your library program, generate new ideas and take risks.
Truly, library school doesn't teach you about 95% of what you need to know as a school librarian. So, I've decided to dedicate a section of this blog to all the new librarians out there. Please know that the struggle is real. It isn't you; it's all of us. We've all been there, and we're here to help.
Next week marks the start of National Library Week!
Some school libraries are reinventing themselves as makerspaces, but this Ohio library took a slightly different approach and has seen incredible results.
This is the secondary version of my school library handbook template. It contains a guide to library services, all in one "Handy-Dandy" place! If you are starting in a new library, this is a great tool for creating your own library policy manual for staff. Click the PREVIEW button above for a visual description of what's included. PLEASE NOTE: This is the secondary school library handbook (Grades 6+). Click here for the elementary handbook. It is not necessary to purchase both school library handbooks - there are only a few small differences between them. If you purchase one and want the other, too, just email me. I am happy to send it to you free. FAST FACTS ABOUT THIS SCHOOL LIBRARY HANDBOOK Recommended for: secondary school libraries Formats: PowerPoint, PDF, and Google Slides Editable: YES, all text is editable You will also need: comb-bind machine and combs to bind the handbook HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL GET: 23 editable school library handbook pages 6 cover designs 6 pages of tips for use Teachers LOVE having all the library policies, logins, links, and information in one "Handy-Dandy" place! Edit the handbook with your own library information. Then, bind it together with a comb-bind machine. The library is busy. Who has time to answer phone calls and emails about logins, policies, the schedule, etc.? This handbook cuts those calls down to almost zero! All the information teachers need is in the "Handy Dandy." THIS SCHOOL LIBRARY HANDBOOK PAGES INCLUDE: I've included my own library policies in the guide as a reference. Feel free to use these or modify/replace with your own. Everything is editable in PPT. Cover page (6 designs in both BW and color) Meet Your Librarian Meet Your Library Using the Library Before and After School Parent Visitors Checkout Policies Overdue Materials Lost Materials Damaged Materials Book Challenges Using the Library Catalog Online Resources About Copyright Common Uses of Copyrighted Materials in Schools Laminating Services Scheduling the Library Scheduling the Laptop Trolley The Library Makerspace My Passwords (2 page designs) Teacher Notes (3 page designs) WHAT OTHER LIBRARIANS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS SCHOOL LIBRARY HANDBOOK: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kathy H. said: "This is so helpful - it doesn't matter if you are new to a library or if you have been there for a while." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ashleigh C. said, "This was so hopeful in developing my library handbook as a first year librarian. It is easy to edit and easy to find information!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kathleen B. said, "Contains things I didn't even think about letting my teachers know about." HIGH-QUALITY RESOURCES ARE A SOURCE OF PRIDE! I take great pride in creating library resources that are of the highest quality. I also update my resources regularly to ensure currency and best practices for 21st Century libraries. If you have a question or want to request a library activity, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. I also respond to TPT questions quickly. I regularly add new products for school librarians and English teachers to my store. Click the STAR at the top of this page to receive notifications of when new products are posted. All new products are 50% off for the first 48 hours.
Over the last several years, I've done at lot of change up our library space at Stewart. Here's some of my tips to help you rethink your library.
Being a brand new school librarian is both exciting and scary. All summer, you’ve planned for your new position, but today, you're feeling pretty lost.
Don't let a short schedule keep you from providing engaging library programming. These 30-minute library lessons are perfect for librarians!
Teacher attitude toward the school library determines student use of our facility. School Librarians can show teachers the benefits of collaboration & library visits by creating a customized l…
We are passionate supporters of public libraries here at Pages Unbound. But there are still awesome services and programs I would love to see libraries provide! Here are ten cool ideas that would g…
5 ways to build your book collection and home library
A monthly library book display is a great way to bring awareness to different topics, seasons, and celebrations. Check out these ideas!
Visiting the Library Orientation All 7th-grade students complete a general library orientation. Other orientations or lessons available...
London-based architecture practice Wright & Wright revamps the Oxford University's Magdalen College library.
From the iconic New York Public Library to lesser-known favorites like the San Antonio Public Library, here are the ten most beautiful libraries in the US.
Library & librarian have many meanings, both good and bad. Lots of people have created new terms, but I think that the key is a new definition.
Looking for virtual library tours? Here are 10 epic libraries you can tour online from the comfort of your own couch!
As we approach Winter Break, I realized I haven't written many blog articles lately. I moved to a new city and started in a new-to-me library this year. I've been too busy to do much blog writing beyond my infamous New Releases posts and a couple of random book reviews. I'm about 10 book reviews behind, and they may never get written at this point. It's been an exhausting few months, but Winter Break looms large and lovely on the horizon...only one more week to go!
It can be difficult to find professional development for the school librarian. Learn about some new online on demand PD just for you!
For the first time in a LONG time, the start of the school year was full of newness: new school, new staff, new library, new collection, new students. Take a peek as to what I saw when I first walk…
At AASL Knowledge Quest, I share about five makerspace books that had a huge influence on me when I was starting my school library makerspace back in 2014.
A book walk is a fun way to change up your reading routine and get students moving. Learn how I do this fun activity with my students!
In my AASL Knowledge Quest post, I take a look at how to transform your library space, even if you have a tight budget. There's lots of tips and advice.
Explore Oh, hello! Welcome to my blog! I'm Laura and I don't go anywhere without a book. I love to read and travel and over time What's Hot? has become a hub for fellow literary
Fancy yourself a budding librarian? Why not start a street library and share your joy of reading with your community?
Some school libraries are reinventing themselves as makerspaces, but this Ohio library took a slightly different approach and has seen incredible results.
I have the most exciting news for all of you. I have the privilege of giving away The Silhouette Portrait . Looks like Christmas is co...
Get ready for back to school with this downloadable back to school checklist for school librarians, including organizing and planning tips!
Applying for library grants is a great way to leverage your library and get more resources. Check out these 10 library grant suggestions!
Whether your little one is a new reader or into their own chapter books, starting your own book club for kids is easy with these tips and tricks!
Here are 8 back to school must-haves for the library to start the year off right and make your life so much easier!
Wondering how to start a Little Free lbrary? We've got your covered, start to finish, with this DIY guide! Get ready to welcome your community!
Learn how to genrefy a library, or assign genres to books to help patrons find titles, with this step by step guide for beginners.
You can make the overdue book return process fun! Get ready for some simple tips for collecting library books at the end of the year!
Library collections are constantly growing. Implement library shelving or take a look at our other library storage solutions, so you can grow with your collection.
MAKERSPACES … I tried to ignore them! I tried to deny their growing momentum. I skipped over articles and blogposts where makerspaces were the headline. I averted my eyes when newsletters about them crossed my mailbox. Not that I didn’t find value in them! I ABSOLUTELY did. Honestly, I was just so overwhelmed with the […]
Is it time for you to gear up for a new school year in the library? I thought I’d compile some of my must-do library tips for the start of the year. BACK TO SCHOOL BOOKS I love to welcome students to the library at the start of the school year by setting […]
Behind every good library is an even better librarian.
Markers, and crayons, and pencils, oh my! As you walk through stores right now, you can start to see that school is definitely in the air! This is always a time that makes me happy (there’s just something about brand new school supplies that makes my heart smile!) = But... Read more
The Monthly Library Challenge is a fun way for School Librarians to make their libraries even better! The Challenges started in 2019, and they have changed a lot over the past few years. It started as a monthly challenge in a guided Facebook group, but now, it is a self-paced challenge with support in the Facebook group.
We need to rethink how we design our environments for students. The resources here will help you to use learning space design to transform your space.
Being a brand new school librarian is both exciting and scary. All summer, you’ve planned for your new position, but today, you're feeling pretty lost.
