The Laidback Librarian

06/06/2026

Transform Your Library with “If You Like…” Shelf Talkers: The Secret to Better Book Recommendations

One of the most common questions students ask in the library is: "What should I read next?" As librarians and educators, we love helping students discover books they'll enjoy. But when dozens of students are browsing at the same time, personalized recommendations can become overwhelming. That's exactly why I created my "If You Like... What Should I Read Next?" Shelf Talkers....

One of the most common questions students ask in the library is: “What should I read next?” As librarians and educators, we love helping students discover books they’ll enjoy. But…

04/23/2026

Refresh your school library for summer reading! 20 Summer Book Talker Shelf Tags for School Library Displays – Printable Library set is a simple win.

Created with busy librarians and teachers in mind, this printable resource makes it easy to transform your shelves into vibrant, student-friendly displays in just minutes. Each of the 20 designs features bright, seasonal summer themes—think sunshine, beach vibes, and playful fonts—that instantly draw attention to featured books. What makes these shelf tags especially useful is their flexibility. Each design includes left- and right-facing versions, so your displays stay visually balanced no matter how your shelves are arranged....

04/21/2026

If your fantasy section is feeling a little… meh—you’re not alone. Even the most magical collections can get overlooked when students don’t know where to start. The good news? You don’t need a full library makeover to fix it. Sometimes, all it takes is a few well-placed words to turn browsers into readers.

Let’s talk about a simple, low-prep way to bring your shelves to life—and why your students will actually notice. ✨ Turn Your Fantasy Section into a Student Magnet You know the scene: a student wanders in, scans the shelves, and says,“Do you have any good fantasy books?” You know you do. The problem? They don’t. That’s where shelf talkers come in....

Let’s talk about a simple, low-prep way to bring your shelves to life—and why your students will actually notice. ✨ Turn Your Fantasy Section into a Student Magnet You know the scene: a student wan…

04/16/2026

The School Librarian’s Time Crunch: How to Plan Engaging Lessons Without Burning Out

If you’re a school librarian, you already know the struggle:You’re expected to teach every grade level, every week, often with little to no curriculum and even less planning time. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many educators point out that they’re often expected to “reinvent the wheel” with lessons—without extra time or support. () Let’s solve that problem—without sacrificing your sanity....

If you’re a school librarian, you already know the struggle:You’re expected to teach every grade level, every week, often with little to no curriculum and even less planning time. Sound familiar? Y…

04/09/2026

Poetry Made Easy: Helping Elementary Students Write Their First Poems

Poetry can be one of the most joyful parts of the school year… but for many students, it can also feel intimidating. When kids hear the word poem, they often think there are complicated rules, rhymes they can’t think of, or ideas they don’t know how to start. The truth is, young writers usually don’t struggle with creativity—they struggle with…...

Poetry can be one of the most joyful parts of the school year… but for many students, it can also feel intimidating. When kids hear the word poem, they often think there are complicated rules, rhym…

04/09/2026

4 Easy April Library Lessons for Busy School Librarians

April is one of my favorite months in the school library. Spring is in the air, students are full of energy, and the calendar is packed with literacy celebrations like National Poetry Month and Earth Day. The challenge? Finding engaging lessons that fit into short library periods and work for multiple grade levels. If you’re teaching on a fixed schedule like I am, planning four weeks of lessons can feel overwhelming....

April is one of my favorite months in the school library. Spring is in the air, students are full of energy, and the calendar is packed with literacy celebrations like National Poetry Month and Ear…

03/30/2026

Should You Genrefy Your Library? Let’s Talk About It

If you’ve spent any time in librarian circles lately, you’ve probably heard the term “genrefying the library.” For some librarians, it’s been a game-changer. For others, it feels like a huge project with questionable payoff. So what exactly does genrefying mean—and is it worth it? Let’s break it down in a realistic, laidback way. What Does “Genrefying” a Library Mean?...

If you’ve spent any time in librarian circles lately, you’ve probably heard the term “genrefying the library.” For some librarians, it’s been a game-changer. For others, it feels like a huge projec…

03/27/2026

How to Get Middle School Students Back Into the Library (Realistic Strategies That Work)

So we’ve talked about it… Middle school library visits aren’t what they used to be. But here’s the good news: Students will come back, you just have to meet them where they are. Not with complicated systems.Not with more pressure.Just with intentional, doable shifts. 1. Bring the Library to Them If they’re not coming to you… go to them....

So we’ve talked about it… Middle school library visits aren’t what they used to be. But here’s the good news: Students will come back, you just have to meet them where they are. Not with complicate…

03/27/2026

Where Did All the Middle School Library Visits Go?

Let’s talk about something a lot of us have noticed… but don’t always say out loud: Middle school libraries just aren’t as busy as they used to be. The energy feels different. The spontaneous visits? Fewer.The excited book browsing? Less frequent.The steady flow of students? Not quite the same. And if you’re a librarian, you’ve probably wondered: It’s Not Just You…...

Let’s talk about something a lot of us have noticed… but don’t always say out loud: Middle school libraries just aren’t as busy as they used to be. The energy feels different. The spontaneous visit…

03/26/2026

How to Make Poetry Fun (Yes, Really)

Let’s be honest… When you say the word “poetry” to students, you often get one of two reactions: 😐 blank stares😩 dramatic groans And honestly? I get it. Poetry can feel confusing, intimidating, or just… not very exciting—especially if it’s taught in a super serious, over-analyzed way. But here’s the good news: Poetry doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be one of the…...

Let’s be honest… When you say the word “poetry” to students, you often get one of two reactions: 😐 blank stares😩 dramatic groans And honestly? I get it. Poetry can feel confusing, intimidating, or …