Services to Schools

Library Services to Primary Schools

Your local library provides a wide range of resources and activities which strongly support primary schools in developing children’s literacy, numeracy, creativity and communication skills. By building on existing partnerships between schools and libraries, all primary schools can benefit directly from this ongoing cooperation.

Each library service operates a network of central/large libraries, branch libraries and smaller part-time branches. Some library services also provide support for schools through mobile libraries or a school library van. Schools can access all of the services for primary schools through the larger branches or a central library. Schools can also access some services through smaller part-time branches.

Your partner library branch which is listed in the table below and in the Primary Schools and Public Libraries table can provide the services outlined below for your primary school and will liaise directly with your school during the school year. For some schools, some of the services will be provided by the mobile library, school library van or through the library headquarters. Your library service will make contact with the school principal towards the beginning of each school year and will provide information on the library services and resources available to your school.

The Range of Library Services offered to Primary Schools are:

Class visits to your library branch
Your partner library branch will accommodate class visits from your school to the library, arranged locally in advance.

-A teacher’s card made available to every teacher in the school which will enable each teacher to borrow items for his/her class
Each primary teacher in your school will be entitled to receive a teacher’s card, on request, from your library service. The card will enable a teacher to borrow items for his/her class.

-A presentation(s) on the library services may be available on request
Your local library service can provide a presentation on the library services on request and at a time agreed with the school principal, as part of in-service training, or at your school to teachers, pupils or parents.

-A range of relevant library resources and services provided to your school
The services available to your school include the provision of:
               -Reading and curriculum support materials
               -Online learning resources
               -Resource and reference support for school projects in response to teacher requests

-Reading spaces available within your library branch
A reading space for children will be available in your partnered library branch as well as access to electronic resources.

-Reference and research guidance provided to pupils for their project work
Your library branch can provide reference resources and research assistance to pupils and teachers for school project work.

-Resources for parents to strengthen children’s literacy and numeracy skills
Parents can be introduced to the range of library resources and activities available to support their children’s literacy and numeracy skills development.

-Library programmes and initiatives ongoing and during school holiday periods
Your library service, through its branch network, will provide ongoing library programmes and initiatives throughout the year, including an annual summer activities’ programme, to support the continuing development of children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

-Local History
The local studies department of your library service can provide access to a wide range of historical material about your local area, including maps, photographs, documents and information.

 

Public Libraries and Partner Primary Schools