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Get ready to celebrate the wonderful world of school libraries on October 1st for International School Libraries Month! This annual event was first established in 1985 by the American Association of School Librarians to recognize the importance and impact of school libraries worldwide. Not only do these libraries provide a space for students to learn and explore, they also play a crucial role in promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading. So let's take this opportunity to appreciate all that school libraries have to offer and support their continued growth and development.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early School Libraries</div><div class='timeline-text'>The concept of school libraries began to take root during the 1800s, where books were made accessible to pupils for their educational development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1876</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Library Association Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Library Association (ALA) was established, playing a significant role in shaping library services, including school libraries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>School Libraries Achieve Prominence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The focus on school libraries intensifies with educators recognizing the importance of library resources in shaping students' reading and research habits.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First School Library Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Association of School Librarians established the first school library month to recognize the importance of school libraries globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Resources Integration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Many school libraries begin integrating digital resources and technologies, enriching the modern library experience for students.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a book swap</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage students and teachers to bring in their favorite books to trade with others. This is a great way to promote reading and sharing within the school community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a reading challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge students to read a certain number of books during the month and offer prizes or incentives for reaching the goal. This will encourage students to utilize the school library and discover new books.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hide clues throughout the school library that lead students to different books. This will get them familiar with the library and its resources while having fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Invite local authors for a Q&A session</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to authors in the community and ask them to come speak to students about their books and the writing process. This will give students a chance to interact with real authors and learn more about their craft.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a bookmark-making workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a station with different materials for students to make their own bookmarks. This is a fun and creative way to celebrate reading and the importance of school libraries.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>School libraries are a valuable resource for students</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International School Libraries Month is a time to recognize and appreciate the importance of school libraries. They provide students with access to a wide range of books, resources, and technology that enhance their education and learning experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>School libraries promote literacy and love for reading</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By providing students with a variety of books and resources, school libraries encourage a love for reading and help improve literacy skills. They also offer a safe and quiet space for students to immerse themselves in books and explore new worlds through literature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Librarians play a crucial role in school libraries</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>School librarians are dedicated professionals who curate collections, teach information literacy skills, and collaborate with teachers to enhance classroom learning. They are an integral part of the school community and deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are over 9,000 School Libraries in the UK Alone</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the School Library Data Group, the United Kingdom is home to over 9,000 school libraries, highlighting their significance in education regionally and globally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>American School Libraries Hold More Than 2 Billion Books</h3><p class='facts-content'>Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that there are over 2 billion books available in American school libraries, offering a wealth of knowledge and resources for students.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>School Libraries Promote Equity in Education</h3><p class='facts-content'>School libraries provide equal access to resources and information for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, demonstrating an essential role in promoting educational equity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Modern School Libraries Facilitate Digital Literacy</h3><p class='facts-content'>With the integration of digital resources, school libraries help students and educators navigate, evaluate, and create digital content effectively and safely. This promotes digital literacy, a vital skill in the 21st century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a Library Bill of Rights for School Libraries</h3><p class='facts-content'>Created by the American Library Association, the Library Bill of Rights guides school library functions and services. It includes principles like the freedom to access information and the pursuit of diversity in resources.</p></div></div>
International School Libraries Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 International School Libraries Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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