Issue 139

Scholarly articles and evidence

How can school libraries support student wellbeing? Dr Margaret Merga nails it with this paper exploring how school libraries may not only provide safe spaces for students, but can also promote mental health and wellbeing initiatives and promote bibliotherapeutic practices of reading for pleasure.’ 

Beyond books: high school librarians as champions of pupil inclusivity, autonomy, and reader development Charlotte Webber explores practices in school libraries in Scotland, showing how library staff support wellbeing in specific ways.

School libraries and wellbeing SLA UK Quick quotes and case studies about wellbeing and diversity initiatives in school libraries in the UK.

Libraries as a third place

Trauma informed care and library spaces This article talks about library spaces as ‘third spaces’, neutral spaces which are separate to work and home, somewhere that provides a ‘safe’ place for the community. It also discusses how the library space may be compromised by unexpected and traumatic events. A really interesting read for those who value their library space as a place for wellbeing and want to keep it that way.

School libraries as third spaces This article talks about the value of the library as a third space from a lived, student perspective, and advocates for school library access for all.

Cultivating the ‘third place’ in school libraries to support student wellbeing Danielle Raffaele explains the role of the teacher librarian in cultivating the school library as a third place.

The role of the library and the teacher librarian in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program

Role of the IB librarian This is a quick round up of what a teacher librarian does in an International Baccalaureate school. Spoiler: it’s an intentional and documented manifestation of all the things many school library staff already do. A great summary for school library advocacy!

The IB guide to an ‘ideal’ school library This document is a fantastic resource for IB library staff, of course – but also for anyone working in a school library. The IB places great importance on the library as having a central role in shaping how learners approach the curriculum, and on lifelong learning.

Pet therapy

Story dogs

An Australian program for which all primary schools are eligible to apply, Story Dogs pairs a dog and their volunteer handler with a student for a 20-minute one-on-one reading session each week. The aim is to encourage the child’s confidence and encourage a calm, yet fun and interesting, reading experience.