A Practical Checklist for School Librarians
There’s something exciting about walking into a quiet library before students return. The shelves are straight, the bulletin boards are waiting, and the possibilities for a new school year stretch out in front of you.
It’s also a season that can feel overwhelming.
Between unpacking boxes, attending meetings, helping teachers, and figuring out why the printer suddenly refuses to cooperate, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever be ready.
The good news? You don’t have to do everything at once.
This checklist will help you focus on the tasks that make the biggest difference before the first bell rings. Whether you’re a brand-new librarian or you’ve opened your library dozens of times, these 25 ideas will help you begin the year with confidence. They don’t all need to be done today, but read through this to get an idea of what you need to do between now and the first day of school.
1. Walk Through Your Library Like a Student
Enter through the student entrance. Can students easily find where to check out books? Are signs clear? Are pathways open? Looking through a child’s eyes often reveals small problems you wouldn’t otherwise notice.
2. Test Every Piece of Technology
Don’t wait until the first class arrives.
Check:
- Circulation software
- Barcode scanners
- Receipt printers
- Student computers
- Projector or interactive board
- Speakers
- Document camera
- Charging stations
- Wi-Fi connection
A five-minute test now can save a stressful lesson later.
3. Create One Eye-Catching Display
Students don’t notice every display.
They notice the exciting one.
Choose one welcoming display near the entrance featuring colorful covers and books students can’t resist picking up.
4. Face Out Popular Books
Students are much more likely to borrow books they can actually see.
Turn favorite titles, graphic novels, award winners, and new arrivals so the covers face forward.
5. Prepare a “First Day Favorites” Cart
Have a rolling cart or display filled with books students immediately want to borrow.
Popular choices include:
- Funny books
- Graphic novels
- Animal stories
- Sports books
- Mystery series
- New arrivals
6. Update Your Welcome Message
Whether it’s on a whiteboard, digital screen, or bulletin board, greet students with enthusiasm.
A simple message like “Welcome Back! I can’t wait to help you discover your next favorite book!” sets the tone.
7. Refresh Teacher Resources
Teachers are often looking for classroom read-alouds and curriculum materials before students even arrive.
Create a small display just for them.
8. Walk Your Traffic Patterns
Practice where students will:
- Enter
- Sit
- Browse
- Check out books
- Return books
- Line up to leave
Smooth traffic flow makes every lesson easier.
9. Prepare a Grab-and-Go Activity
Unexpected schedule changes happen.
Keep one independent activity ready, such as:
- Book scavenger hunt
- Library word search
- Reading coloring page
- Book bingo
- Shelf search challenge
Check my Teachers Pay Teachers store for my growing list of library activities.
10. Replace Worn Labels
Small maintenance jobs are easy to overlook until students point them out.
Check shelf labels, genre signs, and section markers.
11. Practice One New Book Talk
Choose one exciting title you’re eager to recommend.
Even a two-minute introduction can create a waiting list.
12. Send a Welcome Email to Teachers
Introduce yourself (or reconnect), remind teachers about available resources, and invite collaboration.
13. Prepare Answers to Common Student Questions
You’ll probably hear these dozens of times:
- Where’s Dog Man?
- How many books can I check out?
- When are books due?
- Can I renew my book?
- Where are the graphic novels?
Having quick, consistent answers saves time.
14. Create a Student Recommendation Board
Nothing encourages reading like another student’s enthusiasm.
Leave space where students can recommend favorite books throughout the year.
15. Hide a Few Fun Surprises
Bookmarks.
Positive notes.
Golden tickets.
Tiny prizes.
Unexpected discoveries create memorable library experiences.
16. Simplify One Procedure
Ask yourself:
“What can I make easier?”
Maybe it’s checkout.
Maybe returns.
Maybe book requests.
Small improvements save time all year long.
17. Build an Emergency Lesson Folder
Schedules change.
Technology fails.
Substitutes happen.
Prepare several low-prep lessons, independent activities, and read-alouds that can be used anytime.
18. Celebrate One Small Win
Maybe you’ve finished your bulletin board.
Maybe your fiction section is organized.
Maybe your technology actually works.
Take a moment to notice your progress.
19. Learn Five Student Names
If students helped during orientation or summer programs, practice remembering their names.
Being greeted by name makes students feel seen.
20. Ask One Teacher, “How Can I Help You This Year?”
One conversation often leads to months of collaboration.
21. Leave Yourself a Letter
Write down:
- What excites you most about this year?
- What do you hope students remember?
- What kind of librarian do you want to be?
Seal it and read it again in May.
22. Stock Everyday Supplies
Gather the little things that disappear quickly:
- Pencils
- Sticky notes
- Tape
- Scissors
- Bookmarks
- Scratch paper
- Sanitizing wipes
Having supplies within reach keeps lessons moving smoothly.
23. Check Your Emergency Information
Review emergency procedures for your library space.
Know evacuation routes, lockdown expectations, substitute information, and any special procedures unique to your school.
24. Schedule Time for Yourself
Block out a few short periods on your calendar during the first month for catching up, organizing, or simply taking a breath.
You don’t have to spend every free minute putting out fires.
25. Remember Your “Why”
The displays won’t be perfect.
Some books will be out of place before lunch.
Technology may still misbehave.
But somewhere during those first few days, a student will discover a book they didn’t know they needed.
That’s why you do this work.
And that’s what makes all the preparation worthwhile.
Preparing a library isn’t about creating perfection. It’s about creating a welcoming place where students feel safe, curious, and excited to learn.
Take this checklist one task at a time. Every small step you complete is another investment in a successful school year.
Here’s to a wonderful start—and to all the readers who will walk through your library doors this year.
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