Teaching Expertise

The days of staying silent in the library have passed! There are so many fun activities that students can do in the school or public library. Some of my favorite childhood memories took place in my school library. I especially enjoyed holiday shopping for family presents and book fairs in the library. In addition to fun events, students can develop a love of reading and literacy. This love of reading is essential to growing and learning and we’ve got the perfect list of activities that’ll help your learners do just that! 

1. Library Scavenger Hunt

Library scavenger hunts are a great way to introduce children to the library. They will be challenged to find several specific items. If they get stuck, they can ask the school librarian for help. However, they are encouraged to complete it on their own or with a small group of friends.

Learn more: Layers

2. Elementary Librarian Interview

Interested in library life? If so, students may be interested in interviewing their elementary school librarian! Students can ask about key library skills, such as how to find the best library books and more. This activity is appropriate for students of all grade levels.

Learn more: Layers

3. Character Dress-Up Day

Have your students go to the library dressed up as their favorite book characters. Library teachers could come up with a standard library theme for students, or they can pick their characters on their own. How fun!

Learn more: GigSalad

4. Book Bites

Story-themed snacks are such a popular way to engage students. You just can’t go wrong by incorporating delicious treats! Library lesson ideas like this are so memorable for everyone involved and your learners will love munching before or after they get stuck into a book. 

Learn more: GigSalad

5. Library Word Search

Library word search games make a great supplemental resource to add to your library curriculum. Library learners will acquire new library terms and gain spelling practice by completing these word activities. Students may work independently or with friends to find all the words.

Learn more: Woo! Jr.

6. Library Treasure Hunt Bingo

This library bingo resource is truly one-of-a-kind! This fun library game is suitable for all elementary-grade students. Library learners will practice exploring the library environment and have fun playing Bingo at the same time.

Learn more: The Many Little Joys

7. Map It

This library mapping activity is a fun library skills game. Students will map out the interior of the library and label all the specific areas. I love this idea for a “back to school” night in which students’ parents can use the map their child made to navigate the library. 

Learn more: Book Shark

8. DIY Bookmark Craft

It is a wonderful idea for children to create their own bookmarks. By doing so, they will be more motivated to read so they can put their newly made bookmark to use. You can have students personalize their bookmarks by including their names or quotes by their favorite authors.

Learn more: Spruce

9. Coloring Contest

There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition! Children will have a blast coloring in their favorite coloring book for a chance to win a prize. Judges can vote on their favorite picture and pick a winner from every grade level.

Learn more: Crayola

10. I Spy

I Spy is a fun library game that students can play as a whole class. The library objective is for students to identify themes of stories and locate specific books. This is a fantastic addition to library centers and can be played when you have a few extra minutes in class.

Learn more: Book Shark

11. Random Acts of Kindness

There is always a good reason to be kind! I love the idea of hiding positive notes in books for future readers. In addition to reading a great story, they will have a little extra thoughtful surprise to make them smile. 

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12. Library Mad Libs Inspired Game

This library mad libs-inspired game is a great center activity or an extra fun game for library time. Students are bound to share a few laughs while completing this silly activity. 

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13. Summer Reading Challenge

There are many ways to participate in the summer reading challenge. It is important for children to read over the Summer months to keep their reading skills sharp. Reading can also be calming for students, especially when they are reading for pleasure outside in the sun.

Learn more: My Three Readers

14. Pick a Place 

Play a travel game by browsing books in the school library travel section. Students can look for a travel-themed book and identify locations that they’d like to visit. To extend this activity, students can create an advertisement for tourists or even their own travel itinerary. 

Learn more: Mama Scout

15. Poetry Find

Challenge students to connect with poetry. They will need to access the poetry section of the library to browse poetry that they feel relates to them. Then, have them copy the poem in their journal and include a thoughtful reflection. I would recommend this activity to upper elementary grades. 

Learn more: Mama Scout

16. Go Fish for Library Books

Sometimes students need a little help selecting a book. I love this fishbowl idea for students to go fishing for book ideas. It would be beneficial to set up a fishbowl for every reading level so that students are guaranteed to select a book that is appropriate for them.

Learn more: The Colorful Apple

17. Book Review Writing

Writing a book review takes serious skill! Students can practice book review writing with this amazing activity. You can have students exchange their book reviews to spark student interest in different books.

Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers

18. I Have…Who Has?

Library skills activities are important for students to learn. By using this resource, students will be able to identify and understand specific library lingo such as “publisher” and “title”. This is an interactive activity that also allows students to collaborate and think critically.

Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers

19. Glad Book Sad Book

The goal of this game is for children to learn how to properly care for their library books. Children will roll a cube that includes happy and sad faces. They will give examples of positive and negative treatment of books.

Learn more: Classroom

20. Huey and Louie Meet Dewey

This activity is a fun way for students to learn how to use the Dewey Decimal System. Students will need to use a worksheet to put books in order using the guide. This is a fun activity to add to any library lesson and teaches learners how to locate books in different sections of the library. 

Learn more: Classroom