Mcluskie Welcoming Space

Cost-Efficient Ways to Create a Welcoming Space By: Jessica McLuskie

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1. Cheap lighting alternatives. I use this particular Costco rope light in my current classroom. It is long, comes with a remote, and has different functions, colours, and levels of brightness. I use the white-light functions combined with nature light from the windows to take off the harsh glare of the regular classroom lights to provide a calm environment. It can also be used to set the mood during storytelling and other themed work, as there are functions that flash and go different colours (like alternating red and green for Christmas or even blue and red like police lights). I would definitely bring these with me into the library to help create different atmospheres. 2. This great idea came from Brooks (2015), which is to have a ‘Book-end Decorating Party’. If you are tight for funds and space in the library, this is a great solution to personalize the library without breaking the bank or finding free space, as most libraries already utilize these! 3. Having themed book displays is a fun way to encourage students to try new books, and also encourages people just to come in and take a look. These displays can be changed to go with the holidays or seasons, and can even be co-created by older students! This particular example is highlighted on BookBub.com (Sachs, 2017). 4. As space can be limited, using the windows can be another way to inspire student engagement and create a welcoming space. This idea is from the Freshly Minted Librarian (2013) blog, and she suggests putting up puzzles and questions in the library windows for the whole school to ponder and try and guess. As an add-on you can even award a prize at the end of the allotted time. 5. Another easy BookBub.com (2017) suggestion. Having a “What Should I Read Next” jar conveniently placed can be a fun way for students who feel lost or uninspired (or even just adventurous) find books. The jars could be sorted by genre and contain actual book titles, or could just suggest a genre or author to pick from. The TL could even include a checklist for students to record if they have tried books from every genre. 6. If there is available wall space, creating a ‘Books we’ve read’ or ‘Books we’ve loved’ display is a great way to show off good reads and bring the school together. This automatically creates a space that reflects the learners of the school, and can even be used for class or whole-school incentives (class competitions, or a reward for the whole school if they read a certain number of books). 7. While the goal is to have the space feeling student-focused, it is important to have classroom teachers feel welcomed too. This great idea comes from Elementary Library Mama (2015), and all it requires is a chocolate bar and a nice note. This note says: “In a ‘CRUNCH’? Visit the library for the resources you need for your lessons!”. It is a simple yet effective way to let teachers know that you are open to helping, learning, and teaching with them. 8. The next group that needs to be welcomed is parents. Creating a social media account to keep students and parents up to date on

what is happening in the library allows them to feel involved and in the know of the important learning that takes place in the library. If any clubs or groups are running from the library, sharing it online can also let others know that it is open for participation. 9. A fun, inexpensive way to get students excited to come to the library is to host a ‘Book Tasting’. All that is needed are some dollar store table cloths and tableware, and a delicious selection of books. Tables can be set up by genre so that students can try different ‘courses’. The Trapped Librarian (2017) also suggests having a treat ready for the students at the end too! 10. Blanket forts! With so many shelves and tables, it might seem hard to permanently reorganize the space until you end up with funds for new furniture. So instead, turn the furniture that is currently there into a fun fort for reading! This can be a fun reward from a class or school challenge, and students can bring flashlights to do some reading! (Bookbub.com, 2017). 11. A great way to invite families into the library can be to set up a book walk. Laminate some pages of books and stick them around the school grounds, ideally leading them to the library. Families on their way to or from school can engage in reading together, and the signs can also contain information inviting parents to find the featured books in the library. (Bookbub.com, 2017). 12. Lastly, host a stuffed animal sleepover at the library. Students drop their stuffed toys off, and the next day they find out all about the adventures they had in the library. This can be a fun way to get new students (like Kindergarteners) to feel comfortable in the library. It is also a way for the TL to share the kinds of things that the TL can do in the library too. (Bookbub.com, 2017).