We're thrilled to share with you the fifth blog in our series, Library Lifeline, written in association with the School Library Association. This series is designed to support anyone working in a school library by answering their questions directly. If you have a question that you’d like to ask our ‘agony aunt’ – the SLA’s Member Development Librarian, Dawn Woods – then please email us at worldofstories@literacytrust.org.uk and your question may be the focus of a future blog!
In this article, we are looking at how to create a school library book club and the factors to consider in order to make it a welcoming space which nurtures a love of reading.
What do I need to consider when starting a school library book club?
School Librarian
The one important feature of a school library book club
When you are considering setting up a school library book club, the only important factor to bear in mind is that it should be fun.
Remember, a library book club is not a lesson, it’s a chance to develop a culture of reading for pleasure and for children to grow in their confidence and reading enjoyment. Your school library book club will be a place for children to discover new books together and create a safe space to share and discuss books with others without any judgement on their views or reading choices.
It’s also a chance to expand pupils’ reading repertoire, give them motivation to read more or try new things, and provide a greater challenge for those who are happy to read. It is also a vehicle to foster confidence in those who would otherwise struggle or are not finding as much enjoyment in reading.
Questions to ask before you set up your library book club
Have a clear understanding of your book club parameters. By thinking about key questions and your proposed outcome for the library book club, you will be able to shape how it will look, and be clear about the key considerations that need to be addressed:
- Will it be aimed at any particular year group?
- Will younger children feel supported or intimidated by the presence of older pupils?
- Will it be aimed at a special group of children?
- Pupil Premium, EAL or perhaps an inter-generational group – parent and child?
- Will numbers have to be limited as space is limited in the library or reading space?
- Will it be after school or in the lunch break?
- Will after school exclude certain pupils?
- Do you plan to offer refreshments? Normally eating and drinking in the library will be forbidden, but squash and a biscuit help add to the relaxed atmosphere
Consider your audience: Pupil voice
Invite pupils to decide on the direction of their book club.
This is a fun, voluntary activity, so if it means starting with just two pupils, that’s perfectly fine (and normal). Experience has shown that they will enjoy themselves, spread the word and you will soon grow.
What are the
The advantage of holding the book club in the library is that you will never be short of books to discuss. You don’t all need to read the same book title at the same time. If getting hold of multiple copies will be a problem, simply start with a general book discussion on what pupils have enjoyed reading.
Booktalk - the ability and confidence to express opinions about books - is a skill that pupils will improve with practice.
Start by modelling your enthusiasm for sharing your thoughts on the motives of characters and general theme of the book(s) and pupils will soon follow suit.
Ensure everyone knows that you don’t all have to enjoy the same books and all opinions are valid. You could even focus your first meeting around discussion of Daniel Pennac’s The Rights of the Reader poster, which is free to download with your National Literacy Trust membership.
National Literacy Trust book club resources
Now that you are inspired to start your book club, don’t forget that the National Literacy Trust is here to support you all the way. Your membership gives you access to some fantastic ready-made book club resources to walk you through all the steps you need.
Consider the Marcus Rashford Book Club which aims to encourage and nurture a love of reading in children. Resources provided include an activity pack filled with high quality activities, exciting lesson plans and a poster.
Or, the resource for The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell, which includes guidance notes to take you through six book club sessions, including tips to engage your pupils in meaningful conversation around this book.
You might choose to explore Bali Rai’s Now or Never, and delve deeper into its historical context by using the links provided in the resource for further insight and exploration.
Further ideas for your book club
- Consider shadowing a national or local award too
- Introduce other book activities in your meeting such as making bookmarks or book folding decorations - other curious pupils using the library at the time may ask to join in!
- Use the school’s Twitter account to contact the author of a book recently read with children’s comments or questions. Many authors will respond, which will excite your pupils and encourage them to keep reading.
- Attend one of the National Literacy Trust's author events and use this as a springboard to read and chat about their book.
Helpful resources:
- Your local School Library Service may be able to provide you with sets of multiple titles
- National Literacy Trust book club resources
- Rights of the Reader Poster
- Shadow book awards like the Information Book Awards, the Children's Book Awards, and the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal
- Running a book club originally for public libraries
- Book clubs like the Open University's Reading for Pleasure and Cheltenham Festivals' Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils book clubs increase staff knowledge of children’s books