The New Library: Vital Centers of Literacy and Innovation

Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by the The Bear Creek School.

In the age of AI and other emerging technologies, brick-and-mortar libraries, with their rows of shelved books, may not be the first things that come to mind as innovative spaces for today’s youth. And that idea may point to why many libraries aren’t thriving. Despite concerns over declining literacy, there are 25 percent fewer school librarians today than in 2000, and more than 12 percent of public schools no longer have a library at all, a number that’s even higher in charter schools. 

But the growing body of evidence that students with access to well-resourced school libraries consistently perform better academically comes as no surprise to Tressa Parker, Dean of Literacy and Innovation at The Bear Creek School. She says that with all the sources of information and misinformation these days, kids need libraries more than ever. And despite the gloomy statistics, it only takes a peek to see that libraries today are far from dusty collections of outdated books. School libraries — like the four at Bear Creek — are vital, vibrant centers for literacy and innovation. 

The Bear Creek School is a Christian preschool through 12th grade in Redmond with a classical liberal arts approach to education that is deeply rooted in literacy. Bear Creek has a dedicated high school library, middle school library for students in grades 5–8, lower school library serving K–4 grades, and a self-checkout preschool library. The three upper libraries are staffed by Literacy and Innovation Leads (the superheroes formerly known as school librarians). 

“Their job is about expanding learning and sparking exploration throughout the school. They’re far more than the stereotypical librarians behind a desk shushing students,” says Parker. Aside from managing the collection and helping students find books, the Leads are experts on education practices who help connect teachers with education technology and other innovative tools.  

“Libraries are more than just four walls that hold books. Libraries have become dynamic learning hubs, places that inspire innovation, foster inquiry and discovery and help students grow as learners,” says Parker.  

Open doors 

But resources are only valuable if people use them, so the first challenge is creating physically welcoming spaces where students want to spend time. Bear Creek recently remodeled two of its libraries and saw their circulation rates improve. The remodeled libraries offer cozy chairs and reading nooks to make the spaces more inviting. 

“We replaced a lot of the heavy, static, traditional wooden furniture with movable bookshelves and modular tables that can be configured in a variety of ways. It opens up a lot of possibilities for the library space to be used creatively for collaboration, whole group instruction or individual study. Having that mobile, adaptable, multifunctional space is important,” says Parker. 

More subtle changes in the library encourage students to check out books. 

“We work hard to have a lot of forward-facing books because we actually do judge a book by its cover. Books that have appealing covers are more likely to be checked out by students,” says Parker. These creative book displays join interactive kiosks that make it easier for students to find and check out books on their own. 

“We’re really trying to help them have the autonomy to use the library well, and to foster self-directed exploration of the library spaces,” says Parker. 

An optional computer-based quiz program for K–8 students awards points for completed reading, with top-scorers displayed in point clubs on digital screens. 

“For some kids, this is really motivating,” says Parker. 

Critical thinking 

As technological innovations like AI proliferate and as the algorithm promotes disinformation, media literacy and critical thinking have become more important than ever. 

“As parents we do worry that with easy access to the digital world, our kids are going to lose the ability to think critically. Today, there are so many more resources out there, so it’s about using those resources and tools intentionally and purposefully and having a good balance between picking up a real book and searching for something online,” says Parker. 

Innovation doesn’t always mean technology, either. In fact, over-reliance on technology can hinder learning. 

“Sometimes learning is about the struggle. Sometimes, you need to grapple with an idea or come up with your own thoughts,” says Parker. “So, when we talk about innovation on our team, we aren’t always referring to technology. We are using a broader definition of addressing problems creatively, coming up with a better way to accomplish something, and tapping into the desire to learn and grow, to be adaptable and try something new. Those ideas are the foundation of innovation,” says Parker.  

Age-appropriate 

School libraries need to build programs that support students’ classroom and social emotional learning. Elementary school classes have dedicated library time. 

“Library staff partner with the teachers to support literacy instruction in the younger grades, helping them with decoding skills and fluency,” says Parker. “Then they need to know how to find resources, whether that’s using databases or a hard copy of a book. They learn how to access information and then gain the tools they need to discern truth and evaluate the accuracy of a resource that they have found,” she says.  

Studies show that many middle schoolers stop reading for pleasure as their schedules get busier and peers become more important to their identity. So, the challenge for a middle school library is to make reading more of a visible, shared experience. 

Bear Creek encourages students to create shelf-talkers — little cards recommending books — for their favorite reads. The library hosts poetry slams and a lunchtime library club where students engage in bookish activities. For competitive kids, there are monthly middle-school reading challenges and an annual Battle of the Books, a quiz game based on a selected book list. A bookmobile cart at the entrance increases circulation and helps reduce overdue books.  

Literacy at home 

If your child’s school has a staffed library, encourage them to visit it, or even better, reach out to see if you can explore the library together, as families do at Bear Creek. But even if yours is one of the local schools that has lost its librarian, you can still support literacy at home. 

“Having a family culture of reading is critical. We all start out with our little ones, before they know how to read, having story time before bed. But I think we drop off from that too soon,” says Parker. 

To keep reading as a family affair even after children can read independently, read a nightly chapter of a challenging book together, set aside a silent reading time when everyone reads their own book, or listen to audiobooks together at home or in the car. Studies have shown that just having books in the home makes children more likely to read for pleasure. Even if you can’t afford a bookshop habit, local Friends of the Library book sales (prices as low as $0.50!) and Little Free Libraries make it possible to build a book collection. 

And of course, you can visit the public library together. 

“The library is not just a repository for books, but a broader place to learn and grow. Library spaces are here to help encourage a love of reading, to build literacies, to foster innovation, to support teachers, and to spark curiosity,” enthuses Parker. So, if you haven’t done so lately, visit a library with your child. It’s one of the best things you can do to encourage literacy and innovation.

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