A Message From the Superintendent Pop-Up Libraries Build Readers at Brooklawn

Middle School

We know that the more students have access to reading material, the more likely they are to read and to find stories that engage them. Brooklawn Middle School has found a way to make books super-accessible to students and staff through PopUp Libraries.

Pop-Up Libraries is an artist-led social initiative to establish small libraries in public spaces, community centers and art centers. The aim of the project is to enhance community spaces, create a catalyst for reading books, encourage recycling and inspire creativity. Similar to the Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization aimed at expanding book access in all communities, Pop-Up Libraries enhance a rich and varied school library with smaller “Take a book, Leave a book” opportunities.

At Brooklawn Middle School, four vintage overhead projector carts were repurposed to hold lots of books and “popped up” in locations throughout the school. There are also poems about the love of books and magic of reading hung near each cart and in the halls with arrows directing students toward the Pop-Up Libraries. Books were donated from some classroom libraries, the school’s Media Center, and town libraries giving away older collections.

How does the Pop-Up Library work?

-Students can check out the cart and borrow a book, with no strings attached.

-Students return the book to any cart when they’re done.

-If students have finished a book that they’d like to share, they can swap it for one on the cart.

-Students are asked to keep the cart neat, please and thank you!

Why create a Pop-Up Library?

-Because the more books that are available and within reach, the more likely students are to read!

-It encourages recycling of reading material.

-Decorating the cart inspires creativity.

-The library creates opportunity and community.

You don’t have to work in a school to create a Pop-Up Library. Think about an area in your organization where books might be organized on a cart or small shelf. Just imagine the conversations you’ll have with colleagues over the books they’re taking and returning!