Building a School-Wide Reading Culture

Encouraging students to read is more successful when reading and literacy are deeply embedded into all aspects of school life. The benefits of reading for pleasure are well-supported by research, making a strong reading culture highly desirable.

Creating and implementing the appropriate reading behavior, values, and practices across the school are essential roles for your library, and Follett Software can help you excel at this.

The Role of School Leaders 

A well-funded school library indicates that school leadership recognizes and values the library’s role in promoting reading and developing literacy. An adequate budget for library resources and well-maintained facilities are crucial for creating and developing a reading culture within the school community.

Follett Software’s extensive reporting options make it easy to show school management how library funding is allocated and how those resources engage students and support their learning. This information can be invaluable when requesting future funding for the library, appreciated by management, and emphasizes the librarian’s professional standing within the school. Principals and school leaders who are well-informed are more likely to be actively involved in the library, showing they value the library, its activities, and the importance of reading.

Collection Development

To encourage students and teachers to read, library collections need to reflect the diverse interests of the school community. Librarians must know their borrowers well, engaging in conversations about books, reading, and interests. If students are excited about a new series, movie, or trend, these can guide them to related reading material.

Students and teachers should be encouraged to suggest books for purchase. Adding these suggestions alongside other new and popular titles can stimulate discovery. Librarians should follow book review sites, sign up for publishers’ newsletters, note award winners, talk to other school librarians, and read as much as possible.

Purchasing new resources is only part of collection development. Regularly weeding out old, outdated, and underused books is also important. Follett Software’s tools can quickly identify potential candidates for weeding, keeping library shelves fresh and appealing.

Showcasing Books and Reading

Adults as reading role models significantly influence children and young people. Everyone at school can get involved in promoting reading. Programs like “drop everything and read” show the value placed on reading within a school.

Reading role models can extend beyond the school gates. Encouraging parent borrowing or creating dedicated Web App Topic Boards for parents fosters a reading culture at home. Regular updates in school newsletters and social media help keep the wider community informed about reading events and activities.

Students should also be encouraged to recommend books to their peers through conversations, book groups, reviews, and library displays. Follett Software’s Web App allows library staff to promote books, share related content, and create Quick Lists of recommended titles. Sharing these lists in newsletters, emails, and online spaces involves students, teachers, and families in the school’s reading culture.

An Enticing Reading Environment 

A welcoming reading area, whether in the library, a classroom, or an outdoor space, is important. It should be calm and quiet, with comfortable seating to encourage reading. Student input on the design ensures the space meets their needs.

Effective libraries and reading spaces are firmly focused on their readers. Libraries should appear appealing and draw visitors in, utilizing a bookshop approach with front-facing covers and well-stocked displays. Follett Software’s Web App ensures an engaging online presence, allowing readers to browse, review books, and explore additional content.

Events and Activities to Promote Books and Reading

Numerous book-related events and activities can promote reading:

• Library Day or Book Week with activities
• Summer reading programs
• Drop everything and read times
• Book displays and bookshop-style promotion
• Book groups and shared reads
• Themed displays and activities
• Student reviews and recommendations
• Book talks and read-alouds
• Author visits and online interviews
• Escape rooms, treasure hunts, reading challenges, and competitions

Developing a strong reading culture involves the whole school community. The school library plays a pivotal role, and the librarian is key in creating and maintaining this culture to support lifelong readers and learners.

Literacy Through Strategic Library Budgeting

Strategic budgeting for K-12 library collections ensures the library can sustain a strong reading culture. A well-considered budget facilitates diverse and current collection development, aligns with curricular and leisure reading needs, and supports reading role models and literacy events. Follett Software can help track, analyze, and report spending, ensuring wise investments that reflect the library’s actual usage and impact.

Presentation Version 

References: 

• Layne, Steven L. Igniting a Passion for Reading: Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers. New York: Scholastic Inc, 2012.
• Merga, Margaret K. and Shannon Mason. “Building a school reading culture: Teacher librarians’ perceptions of enabling and constraining factors.” Australian Journal of Education 63, issue 2 (2019): 173–189, doi:10.1177/0004944119844544. 
• Van Riel, Rachel, Oliver Fowler, and Anne Downes. The Reader-Friendly Library Service. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Society Of Chief Librarians, 2008. 
• Ripp, Pernille. Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child. New York: Routledge, 2018.