Class visits to libraries

We encourage visits from primary and pre-school classes and groups for the following reasons:

• To provide an opportunity for children of all ages and backgrounds to visit the library
• To make children aware of library services and how to access them
• To encourage children to join and use the library
• To foster a close partnership with schools
• To promote and encourage reading for pleasure and as a means of self development
• To support language and literacy development
• To foster the development of lifelong learning skills
• To promote the development of citizenship

How to arrange a visit

Teachers or group leaders should contact the library they want to visit at least two weeks in advance to make the arrangements.   The library staff will want to know the following:

• When you want to visit - have alternative dates in mind in case the library is already booked on the day you want
• How many children you want to bring - normally a primary school class is OK, but some libraries are very small, and may not be able to accommodate a whole class
• How old they are
• Any special needs that have to be planned for e.g.: languages other than English, physical impairment
• The purpose of the visit e.g.: an introduction to the library and how it is arranged; reading promotion; information literacy development; story time or rhymetime

Support materials

A pack of materals has been produced to help front line library staff prepare for and deliver effective class visits sessions.   This has been made possible through a development grant to Highland Libraries from the Scottish Library and Information Council.   See Background for more information.    

The evaluation forms and checklists can be downloaded from the Current Documents section on this page.   Materials for use with different age groups and outline induction sessions can be accessed from the pages listed under In This Section on the right.