ABSTRACT
One sign that a primary school has a good library is the presence of children engrossed in books and computer activities throughout the day. This is more likely to be the case if there is enough room for a whole class to use the library together and sufficient books and ICT resources for them all to use them at the same time. If you are fortunate enough to be setting up a new library you would find ‘Our Beautiful New Library’, an article by Ann Leeming, helpful (Leeming, 2008: 15-16). She describes the setting up of the library, called the Michael Rosen Library, at Milton Road Primary School in Cambridgeshire. This was made an exciting room with internet café style computers and high stools. The creative design also includes the provision of play tunnels for the younger children where they can enjoy reading their books and seeing their reflections in the mirrors. Even if you are improving and refreshing an existing library you could take up some of the ideas: making the library a pleasant space to walk through with interesting displays; working towards providing a good balance between books and IT. This chapter looks at library provision and at how children can be helped to use the books and resources.
