Component C: Safe, Inclusive and Welcoming Space

I consider it my responsibility to serve both students and teachers on my campus. In order to make sure my teachers know that I am here to be a resource for them, I start the school year off with them in mind. I leave a treat in each staff member's mail box to let them know their librarian is a resource for them. 

Once teacher teams are back, I invite them to visit a photo booth I have set up in the library. I use the pictures on a Welcome Back display for students to see when they arrive on the first day. When students visit for library orientation, they are also invited to take a photo in the photo booth and I add those pictures to the display. It is a fun way to show our strong school community.

At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, my school chose to hold our first community event prior to the start of school. We gave parents and families a chance to see our building, meet teachers, and see what excitement was coming for their students. It was a big success and the library was a part of it all. I had stations set up so parents could see what the MRMS library has to offer students to help them be successful in middle school. The stations included: Read, Recharge, Research, and Relate. The games in the Recharge station made it the most popular!

One of the best ways I have found to show students they are welcome in the library, is to provide them with fun experiences that do not depend on library books. Not all students are readers, but all students are welcome in the library. I have tried many different things, but some of our favorites include: sticker collages, Battleship, poll questions, games, and coloring. 

Displays to highlight areas of awareness

When I notice a word or phrase that pops up regularly in social media or from the conversations I hear among students, I try to find ways to use them in a display. Here are some examples of book displays I have made to generate interest in some great books. Sometimes I see a few eyerolls, but I know it gets their attention and helps get books in their hands.