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School Libraries & Community Learning Center Activities

The school library or community learning center can be a great gathering place for kids of all ages. Children can develop a love for reading here not only by checking out books and listening to storytellers, but by attending group gatherings and other fun activities. Community learning centers and school libraries can attract new readers and prospective members by hosting activities that engage kids in the joy of learning.
  1. Book Swap

    • Hold a book swap where children bring a book for another child to take home. Separate books into piles based on age appropriateness, or hold an event for younger children one weekend and one for teens the next. Books can also be separated by genre, author, fiction or nonfiction. Provide bookplates on which the book's previous owner can write a small note detailing why she liked this book or what she wants its new owner to appreciate about it.

    Reading Contest

    • If there is a break in classes such as winter or summer vacation, challenge students or children in the community to a reading contest. Come up with a theme for the books that they will read, or provide a list of selected titles they may find interesting. Have students write a short summary of each book, or give a list of five to ten simple questions they should answer. Award a prize to the students who read the most books over break.

    Getting Ready for Fall

    • Set up a free-time center in the school library stocked with art supplies and construction paper, or create an area in the community learning center where children can make arts and crafts. Choose an upcoming holiday and have them make crafts to display for the holiday. For example, let students make fall-themed decorations before they go on summer break and display them when the children come back to school. They will enjoy looking for their creation among the group.

    Scavenger Hunt

    • Hold a scavenger hunt to familiarize students or children in the community with resources available to them at the library or community learning center. Make a list of people, sections or particular books and media that can aid them if they ever need to research a topic or need help looking for a certain book. Include questions that the children can ask a librarian or another employee in order to learn how this person can aid them in the future.

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