Step into a world where school libraries are genuinely transformative environments, promoting
active learning, literacy, and connection.
In this hands-on guide, author Hannah Little passionately advocates for recognizing school library spaces as catalysts for student success through informative interviews, enlightening case studies, and immersive facility tours. With a practical lens, this guide unveils a wealth of ideas for creating an enticing entrance that beckons students into a realm of knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of comfort and sensory engagement, fostering collaboration and active learning, and providing serene havens for focused work. Creating spaces for community, teaching, and learning, nurturing social interactions, and establishing the library as the vibrant heart of the school community, A Sense of Place inspires administrators and board members to embrace the library as an essential component of the educational ecosystem.
Additionally, this guide equips librarians with indispensable insights on efficiency in the library space and offers tips for seamless collaboration with administrators. By integrating user experience principles and embracing Oldenburg's “third place” concept, the book unveils how libraries can create an immersive and captivating experience for all stakeholders involved. Whether you seek inspiration for designing cutting-edge facilities or transforming existing spaces into warm and welcoming environments, this guide helps ensure that your school library becomes an inviting sanctuary that fosters learning and enriches the lives of its users.
By:
Hannah Byrd Little (Tennessee USA)
Imprint: Libraries Unlimited Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 232mm,
Width: 154mm,
Spine: 12mm
Weight: 300g
ISBN: 9798216188827
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 16 April 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Primary
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Acknowledgements Introduction 1.Why Your School Needs an Amazing School Library 2.A Place for the Librarian: It Is Not a Library without a Librarian 3.A Place to Enter: The Value of an Unforgettable Library Entrance 4.A Place of Inspiration: Crafting a Space that Sparks Curiosity and Cultivates a Reading Culture 5.A Place of Comfort: Nurturing Comfort and Accessibility in the School Library 6.A Place to Collaborate: Crafting Collaborative Spaces for the Modern School Library 7.A Place to Learn: Transforming the School Library into a Dynamic Learning Hub 8.A Place to Create: Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the School Library 9.A Quiet Place: Cultivating Tranquility for Reading, Studying, and Homework in the Library 10.A Place for Expression: Harnessing the Library's Potential for Presentations and Performances 11.A Place to Meet: Fostering Connections in the Library 12.A Place for Community: Uniting Stakeholders to Build a Thriving School Community Fieldwork: Scenarios and In-Person Library Visits Essential Resources for Creating Inspiring School Libraries Bibliography Index
Hannah Byrd Little is the director of the library and archives at a top independent international college-preparatory school. An ALA, AASL, and ACRL member, she writes a monthly article for the AASL Knowledge Quest website and has written several articles for the same print journal. She was the 2022–2023 chair of the AASL Independent School Section and was recognized as an AASL Social Media Superstar in 2019 for Sensational Student Voice.
Reviews for A Sense of Place: School Libraries at the Heart of Learning, Connection, and Belonging
Hannah has written a thoughtful and engaging work that underscores the essential role of school libraries and the professionals who lead them. This book provides readers with a clear understanding of the multifaceted responsibilities of school librarians and the significant impact they have on student learning and school culture. It also serves as a valuable resource for those seeking practical strategies to advocate for school libraries and their continued relevance in education. -- Blake Hopper * Assistant Principal (former school librarian) Tazewell - New Tazewell Primary School *