Before and After - the library space

After (but at night so pics are quite dark!)

Before and After - the entrance seating area

There are two sofas, beanbags and blue rocker chairs. There are many books facing out (more likely to be picked up than books spines out). There are tall green plants (plastic!) and positive reading messages on the walls.

I hope that it creates a warm and inviting area that people see when they walk straight in, but more practically it means the groups meeting there are right in front of my desk - I can keep a clear eye on what is going on.

More wall writing - creating a literacy rich environment

Inspired by my other wall lettering, I added a few more today. I have 'Read' and 'Borrow a Book' in larger text, and smaller texts all together by the window.

Again they are just printed and laminated, and then blu-tacked on.

The awkward space on wall is finished!

I tried covering the blocks with stars, but it looked odd. They are now covered with a mini collage - almost like mini modern art pieces.

But I'm happy with the over all look now. Miles better than before -


Actually this makes me want to do some before and after pics........(to be continued)

Wow - people visiting my library blog

A map showing people who have visited my blog - the internet has made the world so small!

Library display - awkward space

I have had a horrible space between two boards, which you see as you walk into the library. It has two weird wooden blocks screwed to the wall, and I have hated it since I started (it used to have an inter-active whiteboard on it).

Today I made a display that I am quite happy with. It is simple - just printed letters laminated and cut out, then blutacked to the wall....but I think it looks effective.

Tomorrow I will work out what I can stick to the wooden blocks to hide them.

Reading LIbrary Display

Nothing amazing, but says what it needs to say. Many of my students say they don't read. That they're not readers. I just wanted something that could challenge them to consider why....

Another updated library display

This is a new display (here is the old one). I have reused the cardboard computer, but divided the space into two displays.


The first half is tapping in to the interest in the 'Caught Reading' poster campaign I have done, where students are guessing the hidden faces of staff reading. It is also tapping into the keen appetite for celebrity, and the need for more reading role models.



They are mainly images of celebrities reading/holding a book, with some of the staff photos thrown in. There are some of Britney, Paris, Angelina etc.


The second half is a work in progress. Facebook was blocked and a lot of the students have been left bereft! So I wanted to have a space to point to when they moan that 'everything is blocked'.



I have put some websites on, but I would like the students to suggest more to me - so it can be a changing wall.

Remembrance Library Display

Here is my display for November - Remembrance Day.

'Caught Reading' Library campaign

These are some of the posters from my most successful campaign to date. There are 12 posters in total, and each features a member of staff, hiding behind a well-loved book. The quotes give small clues.

The students have to guess each member of staff to be entered into a prize draw.

The posters get 'released' every 1-3 days to keep interest going. We are currently up to poster 6, and the students really enjoy trying to guess each member of staff. I will be really interested to see how many forms I get in when we finish, as it seems to have gained a lot of attention (much more than anything else I have tried).

Halloween Library Displays

Both of these displays were largely made by my student librarians, but unfortunately these pictures were taken at the end of October and so they are looking a little worse for wear - they are empty and falling down a little!

This fake spider web looked much better at the beginning of the month, and most of the spiders have now been stolen!

First book to be censored

As a librarian who doesn't age restrict stock,I have found the first book that I was unwilling to loan anyone.

I have found the line I won't cross!



This graphic novel has been in the library since 2002, and has a full ticket stamped out over those 9 years, although it hasn't actually been loaned since I have been here.

A 6th form student brought it up to me, and advised that I review it. He showed me some of the pages causing him to think I should take a look.

There is a large male 'member' character, oral sex and sexual nudity. Also the promotion of cannabis.

A member of staff offered to take if off my hands......how kind of them!

Fall in love with a good book

This is how the display started off, with pink fur and pink fairy lights. However we had to add more books as it was so popular.

Most successful library display so far.

Students using the library

I have blurred all faces and school logos (on blazers and ties).

This is an average breaktime.

This was unposed, and is a group of year 11s at lunchtime.



Some students using the library to study (shock horror!)

A half tern done - apologies!

This first half term has been so busy that I haven't had a minute to update my blog! Sorry!

Overall my thoughts are all positive. The library is busy, and students are borrowing books. I have changed a few ideas while reflecting and improving, and will continue to do this.

Some key changes that have been made are no computers at breaktime, dvds can only be borrowed after school, and no printing. All of these have had almost instant positive impacts.

The student librarians are doing well, I have some super students. I will now try and add some posts with further details that may be of interest!