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How 257 New Diverse Books Helped Students See Themselves in the Library
The RAILS My Library Is... Grant helped our junior high add 257 diverse books to our library, but our real goal was larger than just adding new books. We wanted students to walk into the library and find stories that actually felt like them.
Middle school is a time when students are figuring out who they are and where they fit. Books can make a big difference in that process. Through this collection, students see themselves reflected in the library, and also discover new perspectives and experiences through reading.
We used a few simple but fun ways to get students excited about the new books.
Hot New Books Pop-Up Library (During Lunch)
A decorated book cart brought new titles directly into the cafeteria. Students browsed and checked out books in a casual setting, which increased access and sparked spontaneous conversations about reading.
“Windows, Mirrors, & Sliding Doors… This Library Is Me!” Display
This display helped students think about books in a personal way:
- Mirrors: books that feel like your own life
- Windows: books that show other people’s experiences
- Sliding doors: books you can step into and get lost in
Summer Pop-Up Library
Families joined students for book checkout and ice cream, extending reading into the community and making the library a shared experience beyond the school year.
Holiday New Book Buffet: Book Tasting
All 1,000 students participated in a book tasting where they explored diverse titles, discussed choices, and shared recommendations. Reading became interactive and social.
We saw more students checking out books, but even more importantly were the moments in between: students recommending books to friends, talking about characters, and getting excited when they found something that felt like it was written for them.
This project helped the library feel more welcoming and more connected to students’ lives. It wasn’t just about reading more, it was about feeling seen while reading.
Today's blog post was written by Crystal Rutherford, LRC Director at Traughber Junior High School.
This project was made possible by the My Library Is... Grant.