…there are great library services! Library Services bring out the best in your teaching. This page tells you what they offer and how to find them, and it gives you some practical ideas. Read on…
You’ve got a partner in learning
As soon as you start teaching, get in touch with your local library service. You’d be surprised what a lot they do for teachers! Library staff are professionals, and they include specialists who appreciate the education background, and know children’s books inside out. They’ll work with you, both to support your teaching in school, and to get your children reading and learning in their own time too.
Every local authority has a public library service, with a network of local libraries that will support your children’s homework, extend their leisure reading, and support their families. They’re important for individual teachers, too, as a source of material both for study and leisure. Public libraries are doing more than ever for younger readers now – look out for initiatives such as:
Bookstart: A countrywide scheme, laying the foundation for learning to read, by giving free books to babies, and up to 3 year olds!
The Summer Reading Challenge: A national reading game ‘keeping literacy warm’ through the summer break, with stickers and prizes
Homework Clubs: Providing study space, materials, ICT – and help from adults
Reading Groups: For children to talk about favourite books – e.g. the ‘Chatterbooks’ clubs
Book Awards: Children shadowing national awards like the Carnegie, and voting in our region’s famous local ones, such as Lancashire, Salford and Wirral
Events: Storytelling, author visits, performers… there’s a lot going on!
Take your class on a Library Visit to their local library, and show them what’s on offer. They’ll join a community of readers, and feel that they belong. Ask your library service about the whole network of reading initiatives around the region!
