+44 (0) 1273 386849The Emotional Power of Reading: What Every School Librarian Needs to Know This Term
The start of a new school year brings its usual mix of excitement, anticipation and – let’s be honest – a fair bit of pressure. For school librarians, especially those working solo or with limited time and resources, there’s always something to fix, shelve, label, or update in the school library management system.
But here’s the thing: your school library is far more than a well-organised catalogue or a tidy display. It’s the heartbeat of emotional connection in the school library – a place where stories live, and where those stories shape the lives of the children and young people who walk through your doors.
This term, why not harness that emotional literacy as you welcome readers back – and use your school library management system to capture and share those powerful moments?
The emotional power of library books
Think back to your own childhood. What book stayed with you? Maybe it was a young adult paperback from the local library, or a story your primary school teacher read aloud with just the right amount of drama. Perhaps it was a book you re-read under the covers – something that made you feel seen, safe, or brave.
These aren’t just fond memories. They’re emotional anchors – reminders of who we were and who we are becoming.
Every school library holds books like this. A quick search in your library OPAC will reveal titles that soothe, challenge, or spark curiosity. Every librarian has the chance to make space for those emotional moments – creating an environment where books are more than curriculum tools, but connectors of hearts and minds.
Reading for pleasure: 5 key takeaways for school librarians to keep in mind
Reading is not just cognitive, it’s deeply emotional. That’s not opinion; it’s backed by research. You can dive into the Reading for Pleasure reports, but here are the most important points for school librarians to remember (and I am sure you already know these!):
Reading is emotional at its core – Students connect most deeply with books that reflect their lives, feelings, and identities. Libraries can support this with a wide, inclusive collection. This is where emotional connection in the school library can be most powerful.
Choice matters – Self-selected, non-traditional texts (graphic novels, comics, fan fiction, song lyrics) fuel motivation and engagement. Let students lead and enjoy their choices.
Flow builds lifelong readers – That ‘lost in a book’ feeling? It’s called flow, and it’s a key predictor of reading pleasure. Libraries provide the quiet, inviting spaces that make this possible.
Reading is social – Book chats, peer recommendations, and shared displays all matter. Libraries offer the informal, relational space where emotional engagement thrives.
Personalised reading journeys are essential – A “one-size-fits-all” approach won’t do. Librarians help students discover the books that feel right for their hearts, not just their reading level.
Research shows that reading for pleasure correlates more strongly with academic success than socio-economic status. It also supports empathy, wellbeing, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Emotion isn’t a side effect of reading — it’s the most important part.
Fostering emotional connection in the school library
A 2022 article in The Conversation highlights what’s missing in many English literature classrooms: emotional connection. This is exactly what school libraries can provide – an informal, welcoming space where young readers can explore feelings, identities, and big ideas without fear of judgment or assessment.
Meanwhile, eSchool News recognises that school libraries have evolved. They’re not just about literacy skills anymore; they’re hubs of identity, emotional wellbeing, and student voice. And you don’t need a big budget or hours of planning to harness this power.
Small choices can have a big emotional impact:
A display of Books That Feel Like a Hug or Stories I’ll Never Forget
Asking staff to share The Book That Changed Me
A sticky note wall where students post titles that made them laugh, cry, or think
Building a “new term favourites” list in your LMS or catalogue
Recommending ebooks or audiobooks that tap into current moods or interests
These simple acts invite emotional engagement. They signal that this is a space where stories matter – and more importantly, where readers matter too.
Try one of these tomorrow – quick library wins for emotional connection
These micro-activities take minutes to set up and can spark lasting engagement. Share your results online to inspire other school librarians.
- Pass the Story
Invite older students to recommend a book they loved to a younger reader starting at your school. Ask them to write a short note – why it mattered, what they loved most – and attach it to the book or display it. Create a “Passed Down Stories” shelf so every recommendation feels like a gift from one reader to the next.
Hashtag: #PassedDownStories
- Books That Stayed
Ask students and staff to share the one book that has stayed with them all their life. Create a display or digital list in your LMS and add short quotes to each title.
Hashtag: #BooksThatStayed
- Reading Time Capsules
Invite students to choose a favourite book right now and write a note to their future selves about why they love it. Seal the notes in envelopes to be opened at the end of the year – then display the books and notes together.
Hashtag: #ReadingTimeCapsule
- Mood Match Reads
Create a “What’s Your Mood?” chart in the library – Need a Laugh, Feeling Brave, Want an Adventure. Let students add book titles under each mood and watch the recommendations grow.
Hashtag: #MoodMatchReads
A simple question to begin your school year
Amid the tidying, cataloguing, scheduling, and display-making, remember: building emotional connection in the school library doesn’t have to be another task on your list. It can be woven into how you recommend books, how you talk about stories, and how your library feels when someone walks in.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take heart. There’s a whole community of school librarians who know how it feels – and who believe in the power of what you do.
So here’s a question to open the year:
What book has stayed with you all your life?
Use it to start conversations, inspire displays, or create a moment of quiet reflection. Sometimes, the smallest questions lead to the strongest connections.
Next Step: Discover how your school library management system can help you capture, organise, and share these emotional reading moments with your whole school community. Explore our features ➜
Try Simple Little Library System for Free
Contact us to discuss your library needs. We promise a swift response, ensuring your queries are addressed promptly.
We’re offering a Free One-Month Trial, with no obligations, or credit card requirements, allowing you to experience our service’s value and ease firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is emotional connection in the school library?
It’s the sense of belonging and engagement students feel when the library becomes a safe, inclusive space. By offering books that reflect diverse experiences and inviting personal interaction with stories, librarians help students connect emotionally as well as academically.
How does emotional connection improve reading engagement?
When students relate to characters or themes, they’re more motivated to keep reading. This emotional connection has been shown to increase reading for pleasure — a proven factor in academic success, empathy, and emotional literacy.
How can a school library management system help?
An LMS can track popular books, and highlight peer recommendations, making it easier for librarians to connect students with titles that match their interests and emotional needs.
What quick activities can build emotional engagement?
Try peer-to-peer book recommendations, “Books That Stayed” displays, mood-based reading charts, or reading time capsules. These activities are low-prep but high-impact.
Why are inclusive library collections important for emotional connection?
Inclusive library collections allow every student to see themselves represented in stories, while also discovering new perspectives. This helps build empathy and strengthens the bond between reader and library.