Beyond Books: The School Library’s New Chapter
Beyond Books: The School Library’s New Chapter
How transforming school libraries boosts literacy, digital citizenship, equity, belonging, and student well-being for today’s learners
by: Michael Lecchino
date: December 4, 2025
Imagine a corner of a school library at lunchtime. A once-shy 7th grader proudly shows off a 3D-printed keychain she made in the library’s maker club, while across the room a group of newcomer students flip through graphic novels featuring heroes who look like them. Nearby, the teacher-librarian chats with some students about their favourite books while also coaching others on how to fact-check an online video for a class project. It’s a far cry from the hushed, musty bookrooms of the past. This is the modern school library in action, one that has evolved into a learning commons that’s changing lives. If you want better readers, safer digital citizens, more inclusive school communities – and even calmer, more curious kids – start with the library.