Creating the environment

Spaces / Environment

The school library should be exciting and welcoming and identifiably different from classrooms. As a multi-media interactive learning environment, it motivates pupils to explore resources for curriculum related work and their personal interests and stimulates creativity.

Ideally, the school library should be a whole school resource centrally located and easily accessible to all. It should be a single use area. In reality this is not always possible but it is best to strive to find imaginative solutions to achieve as many of these ideals as possible.

The library should (ideally) include fiction and non-fiction stock; access to ICT including the internet; enough seating for a whole class; study spaces and informal reading areas; and space for display.

Lots of photos of different spaces

Makeovers

Libraries, like all spaces, need to be regularly updated and refreshed.  Most SLS will offer some kind of library ‘makeover’ programme which might include a stock review, an update to design, the purchase of some new furnishings and equipment.  This is often a good strategy if the library is looking tired as someone from outside with specialist skills can quickly bring a few ideas which can make significant impact.