Building a School Library

Our comprehensive guide just for you!

More than just spaces for books, school libraries are vibrant hubs for social interaction, learning, and growth. They offer a quiet haven, serve as research centres, and play a vital role in the mental and emotional development of children and young people. Within these spaces, they begin to discover their identities, explore their passions, and connect with a world beyond their homes and social media.

Creating a school library, regardless of its size, can be an overwhelming challenge. Many schools face tight budgets, and not every institution has the resources to hire experienced librarians. Often, the responsibility falls to teachers, who must balance this demanding task alongside their other duties.

Drawing on 25 years of experience and a history of supporting thousands of small libraries, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to make this process easier. This guide helps anyone build a library that inspires a love of learning, promotes literacy, and provides a safe, welcoming space for all.

Planning the space
Organising the stock
Choosing classification systems
Gathering information

Finding inspiration
Managing library software
"Do's" and "Dont's"
Useful resources

Useful Articles

Our website is home to dozens of practical and insightful articles designed to support you in creating and managing your school library. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance an existing library, these resources offer valuable guidance and inspiration. Here are some highlights:

Choosing and using a Library Classification System for your school library: Discover how to implement the right classification system to ensure your library remains organised and user-friendly for students and staff alike.
Stay Connected: The best blogs, podcasts, and social media for school librarians: Connect with vibrant online communities and find inspiration from leading voices in the field of school librarianship.
How can school librarians get started with the GenAI conundrum?: Gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI into your school library.
What is an OPAC? Help users access your online library catalogue: Learn how an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) can transform the way students and staff interact with your library’s resources.
How to design a school library: From layout ideas to practical tips, this guide helps you design a library that inspires learning and creativity.
How school libraries can support children’s mental health and wellbeing: Explore strategies for making your library a supportive space for mental health and wellbeing.
How can we use primary school library software to inspire our younger readers?: Discover how the right software can engage young readers and foster a love of books from an early age.
How can seamless data management help school librarians face the new term with confidence?: Simplify library operations with tips for managing data effectively, so you can focus on supporting your students.
11 simple tips to make your school library shine and stand out this term: From creative displays to innovative programmes, this article provides actionable ideas to make your library a standout feature in your school.

Each article is crafted to address common challenges faced by school librarians and teachers, offering practical advice and inspiring ideas to help your library thrive. Explore these resources to turn your library into a space where students love to learn, grow, and connect.

BUILDING A SCHOOL LIBRARY eBook

Comprehensive free eBook for school librarians, teacher librarians and school library managers.

Planning your space
Setting up your space
Organising books and other resources
Choosing a classification system
Checklists

Simple Little Library System for Schools

Simple Little Library System is Library Management Software developed by a Chartered Librarian for quick and easy use. This means that you don’t need to be a trained librarian or IT technician to set it up.

With modules for cataloguing, borrowing, reporting, and user management, we’ve got all your needs covered. Students and parents can dive into the catalogue from the comfort of their homes with our simple searching tool. Plus, we’ve got a nifty Check-out/Check-in screen for pupils to self-loan if required. In all our school library system packages, you’ll find the online catalogue, borrowing features, user management (with handy bulk import tools), and a reporting module to keep an eye on your pupils’ reading adventures. It’s all about making your library shine!

We’ll also happily transfer data from your old school library software, if you have one. We have helped more than 500 libraries to migrate their data. Your library will be up and running in no time.

Learn about the advantages of cloud-based library management, GDPR compliance, and the excellent library data security our software guarantees for your library

Catalogue print & electronic resources
Affordable
Easy to use
Quick cataloguing
Keep track of loans
Online cloud-hosted catalogue
Free helper licences
Over 100 ready to run reports
Search and browse
Works with Accelerated Reader
Reservations
Optional self-loans
Help with data import
Supports WCAG 2.1 for accessibility

Take a Free Trial and Get a Free eBook

Contact us to discuss your school library needs. We promise a swift response, ensuring your queries are addressed promptly.

We’re offering a Free One-Month Trial, with no obligation or credit card requirements, allowing you to experience our service’s value and ease firsthand.

With our free trial, you can also download a free eBook on starting and managing a school library.