The Heart of the School: Why Libraries Still Matter

With so much information online these days, available at the tap of a screen or the click of a mouse, some people might wonder whether libraries still have relevance in the 21st century. In the face of tight budgets, libraries in communities and schools are being deprioritised and even closed down. But anyone who’s ever spent time in a good library knows that there’s something special about them, something that can’t be replaced by an online search or even an e-reader. It’s a unique feeling to open a new book for the first time, start to turn the pages and feel the anticipation of the exciting read ahead.

Libraries are more than just rooms or buildings with shelves full of books. They are places where imagination comes alive, curiosity blooms and everyone can find a space to learn, grow and dream. In our school community, the library is a highly valued resource. Our school library at IPS British International School is at the heart of our school community. It’s where we can go to explore new ideas, discover special stories, or enjoy some quiet time on a busy day to think and dream. The library is a place where everyone can begin a journey of discovery, no matter what their age. Maybe you’re looking for a great adventure to read, a book to help with a project, or just a peaceful, relaxing spot to think. The library is the place for you!

A school library belongs to everyone in the school community. Not everyone has shelves of books at home, or a quiet place to read. The library gives every child (and adult!) an equal chance to explore, learn, and develop their own interests. It’s a welcoming space where anyone can walk in, pick up a book, and feel at home. Over the years, the IPS library collection has grown and grown. We now have upwards of 20,000 texts on the shelves. We aim to have books to suit every age group and interest, ranging from classic fiction and picture books to modern graphic novels. We fill our non-fiction shelves with relevant texts which both support the school curriculum and cater to children’s personal interests and curiosity.

Librarians don’t just check out books - they help us find the right ones by recommending stories we might love, and point us in the right direction to follow a line of enquiry or research. As the school librarian at IPS, I love playing a part in helping children to develop their love of reading. It’s so rewarding getting to know all of the children in the school and learning about their personalities, their likes and dislikes, and then steering them towards a good book. There is a special joy in matching a child with a book that they will love and remember – a bit like introducing them to a forever friend!

Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful habits a person can develop because it enhances cognitive abilities like concentration and working memory, expands vocabulary, improves reading and writing skills and boosts academic achievement. It establishes a self-motivated love for learning that can last a lifetime. Reading for pleasure also provides significant mental health benefits, such as stress reduction and the development of empathy, as it reveals and explores a range of different perspectives. Through stories, we can experience new worlds, meet different kinds of people, and understand ourselves a little better too. Whether it’s a classic novel, a beautiful picture book, a funny comic or a gripping series you can’t put down, every book has something to offer within its pages.

So next time you walk past a library, take a moment to step in. Sit down, open a book, and give yourself a break from the rush of the day. You never know what you might discover. After all, a library isn’t just a place where books live - it’s a place where ideas, dreams and readers grow.           

written by Christine Styles - School Librarian  

Photo Credit Michael Hulten