Library Spaces that Are Inviting

While working on the 200 clinical hours for my Library Media Specialist endorsement, I have had the chance to visit several school libraries. Some of them were absolutely warm and inviting while others were dark and dreary. I started taking pictures of the spaces I thought would be worth looking back on and here are some of them. This is a great way to get new ideas for your own school library, so get your creative juices flowing and get inspired by these inviting library spaces.

At this school, the library is a light, open and spacious space. Half of the library contains tables and chairs, a large rug and comfortable seating. The other half contains shelves filled with picture books and a row of computers. The rest of the collection is kept in the wall shelves that make up the perimeter of the library. These shelves are high but several foot stools are in close proximity making it easy for students to reach the books. The wall shelves contain books that mostly upper elementary students would be looking at which makes sense.

The wall collection includes all nonfiction, fiction, biographies and the professional collection. The professional collection is quite impressive and includes a large assortment of videos, software, magazines, instructional materials and books.

The librarians’ office includes a large area in the back for teachers to make copies and counters for work space with cabinets for storage. My favorite part of the library is the large windows that make up the back wall, letting loads of bright natural light into the room. Outside of the windows, you can see the garden containing beautiful butterfly bushes, a sitting bench with a tree draping over it and stepping stones.

Instead of a story pit, a large colorful oval carpet is placed in front of the Smartboard. Several small wooden chairs are nearby that can be pulled into a circle. Two wingback comfy chairs make up a small reading area along the side. I liked sitting in one of these when reading to the students.

I love the space divider here. It looks like a castle maybe. On the other side is a large carpet for children to sit on and a rocking chair for the librarian. What a great space to listen to a good book. The way it was designed is perfect, as it allows light to come through but still allows the group of students to be separate from the rest of the library.