Libraries Week 2020: Portable Magic - Bringing the Library into Classrooms

The Story So Far..

I’ve been in the post of School Librarian at Wellington College Belfast since 2004. Wellington College is a non-denominational co-educational grammar school supporting 11-18 year olds during their educational career. WCB Library is a vibrant and creative space where students have the opportunity to discover new worlds through books. We have a reading tree which celebrates favourite childhood reads of the Wellington community and lots of colourful displays including Book Flix and our student art on LGBTQ+ and manga themed doors.

Student Art, Wellington College Belfast

I am responsible for being a reading championship broker promoting reading to students through diverse strategies tailored to different year groups and adapting to technological changes. This has also involved supporting their learning and encouraging their development of information literacy skills. Since 2006, I’ve coached teams of keen readers and coordinated the inter schools Northern Ireland heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz. In 2016 and 2017 I was able to share my reading journey with students as an NI judge for the Carnegie Greenaway Medals.

BookFlix, Wellington College Belfast

Adjusting to ‘the New Normal’..

In these challenging times it is more important than ever to connect students with library services. Books provide a portal for the imagination and are a gateway to discovering fascinating facts about the world around us. C.S Lewis, who one of our college’s Houses is named after, said ‘We Read to Know We Are Not Alone.’ During lockdown I wanted to reassure the Wellington College community that vital library services would still be available to them. The first step was to create an online Library Newsletter at S’more with interactive social media links encouraging students to borrow e-books and audio books from Libraries NI.

It included reading recommendations and the message to stay safe and to stay connected. I also showcased lots of exciting Middle Grade and YA books by creating a library blog at https://www.goodnighttoread.wordpress.com.

Connecting Through Media..

When the college reconvened at the end of August changing circumstances meant that our students could no longer visit WCB library. This led to the second step. With the assistance of the wonderful Mr. Jonny Roberts, skillful photographer and classroom assistant, I recorded special videos for each of our Year groups showcasing different genres and letting them know that they could email me any research requests and that the eclectic range in our library was still available to borrow through our Click and Deliver service direct to their form room. They could also return any outstanding loans this way. Year 8s, 12s and Sixth Form were given an extra opportunity to win quality reads by entering competitions.

Meeting the New Year 8s..

As our Year 8s were unable to have a scheduled library induction where they could borrow books for the first time I collaborated with their super supportive HOY Mrs. Jane Smyth. She organised library time during their Personal Development periods. I was delighted to be able to meet the four classes for chats and book borrowing sessions where good reads could be celebrated and further requests granted. Popular genres included horror, magic, adventure and crime. The teaching team Mr. O’Hara, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Hodgins and Mr. McAllister were pleased with the engagement and have requested follow up sessions. These will consist of fun book related activities and games.

The Book Pen Pals Scheme

The Book Pen Pals Scheme is a marvellous way for students to learn about creative writing and share reading choices. An author selects which schools they would like to pair with and they exchange post cards during the academic year. Sophie Kirtley, author of ‘Wild Way Home’ delighted our students by sending them all bookmarks, a copy of her book, book plates and a lovely standee for the library.

In her welcome postcard she stated, “Being an author, as you can imagine, I absolutely love books and I can’t wait to recommend some of my favourites to you and to hear about what you love to read as well”. I already have some enthusiastic thank you cards from budding writers to post back. It’s all about spreading the magic of reading.

Future Plans

What has been invaluable during lockdown is the support network of the book community on Social Media. WCB Library is looking forward to celebrating #LibrariesWeek and sharing some posts at #ExpressYourShelf.

Tanja Jennings

School Librarian

WCB Library

Wellington College Belfast