Middle school libraries

Getting tweens into the library to do library activities and explore books takes some creative thinking. Activities that are interactive, fun, challenging, and hands-on are the best way to get started. We need curiosity and mystery in library activities that will keep them on the edge of their seats for more.

The Adopt-a-Shelf program at a Georgia middle school gives students a chance to put their creativity on display while offering book recommendations to their peers. This interview with school librarian Liana Etling offers inspiration and ideas straight from student’s shelves.

How do we create a Middle School Reading Bingo program that is popular with middle schoolers (and not completely lame)? Five ideas that may help...

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.

Some school libraries are reinventing themselves as makerspaces, but this Ohio library took a slightly different approach and has seen incredible results.

Why branding your school library matters and what it can do for your library program.

I know elementary librarians whose library programs thrive on the Specials Rotation. I am unfortunately not one of them. I was on the rotation only in my fifth year in the library, and it was enough to make me apply at the middle school for the next school year. Here's why it went so bad for me... #elementarylibrarians #specialsrotation #schoollibraries #librariantruths

Yesterday marked the end of the school year meetings for our Junior Friends of the Library. We used to try to have our parties later in May, but the kids have so many banquets, parties, sporting events, and activities that we moved it up this year to accommodate everyone’s schedule and boy did we have a great time! Our Junior Friends group is a middle school community service organization for students in grades 5 – 8. They help us with bulletin boards, have their own newsletter, book…

Everything you need to have a fun book tasting in your classroom or library! I created this specifically for my middle school library students.I printed the placemats on colorful paper and had students complete the assignment as a bell ringer when they came in the room. Then, students took notes about the various genres of literature. After that, they complete a book tasting with eight tables set up (one for each genre). They filled out their tri-fold handout while tasting the books.File…

Engaging ideas for teaching literary genres with literature units in middle and high school ELA. Explore some activities you can try today!