Find out what authors classes are studying each month and hang posters of those authors in the library. Display books by featured authors and bookmark library computers to authors' websites. Invite small groups of students to listen to author interviews and explore the activities on each author's website. Highlight art styles used in each author's books with art stations. For example, have students create paper collage pictures when the author of the month is Eric Carle.
Support classroom curriculum studies in the library. Read science and social studies books related to classroom topics and create displays featuring age-appropriate books for check out. Bookmark library computers with websites students can explore. For example, when classes study weather, have computers set up with websites such as The Weather Channel Kids or Tree House Weather Kids. For classes studying the community, invite community helpers such as firefighters, police officers, nurses or park rangers to come speak to students in the library for an in-house field trip.
Recruit parent volunteers to staff a weekly research lab time in the library. Aim to have four or five volunteers for a one-hour time slot. Invite teachers to sign up for 30-minute slots or for the full hour. Find out ahead of time what subjects primary students are learning about and gather research materials for students to use such as books, videos and online resources. When classes arrive, have parent volunteers work with small groups to help with reading materials, taking notes, writing reports or navigating websites for research.
Bring holiday and cultural celebrations alive in the library. Set up holiday displays that include books, posters, decorations and student-created artwork specific to each holiday. For example, during the Chinese New Year, read books about the Chinese New Year and display Chinese lanterns or dragons made by classes. Invite parents to speak about the Chinese New Year if they have customs, pictures or cultural items to share. Play music relating to the holiday and hang posters featuring the Chinese Animal Zodiac for students to look up what year they were born under.