Day 6: Prepare a “First-Day Favorites” Cart
The first week of school is different from every other week of the year.
Students are learning new routines, meeting new teachers, finding classrooms, making friends, and wondering what this school year will bring.
Some are excited.
Some are nervous.
Some can’t wait to check out books.
Others aren’t quite sure where to begin.
That’s why today’s Quick Win is all about making that first library visit a little easier.
Create a “First-Day Favorites” cart filled with books that speak to what students are experiencing right now.
Instead of wandering the shelves wondering what to choose, they’ll find a carefully selected collection waiting to welcome them.
Why It Matters
The beginning of the school year offers a wonderful opportunity to connect students with books that reassure, encourage, and inspire them.
A child who is anxious about making friends may discover a story that reminds them they’re not alone.
A reluctant reader might pick up an exciting adventure simply because the cover catches their eye.
A new student may find comfort in a book about starting over.
The right book at the right time can do more than entertain—it can help students navigate the emotions and challenges of a new school year.
By creating a special cart, you’re saying:
“I know what this week feels like, and I have just the book for you.”
Your 20-Minute Challenge
Find a book cart, display shelf, or small table near the entrance to your library.
Now gather books around themes that are especially meaningful during the first few weeks of school.
You don’t need dozens of books.
Even twenty to thirty thoughtfully chosen titles can make a wonderful display.
Here are a few categories to consider.
Starting School
Whether students are entering kindergarten or beginning high school, books about new beginnings help them feel understood.
Include stories about:
- First days of school
- New classrooms
- New teachers
- New routines
- New experiences
Friendship
The first weeks of school are full of opportunities to build new friendships.
Choose books that celebrate:
- Making new friends
- Working together
- Including others
- Solving disagreements
- Being a good friend
Courage
Beginning something new often requires bravery.
Include stories about characters who:
- Try something difficult
- Face their fears
- Learn from mistakes
- Grow in confidence
- Discover their strengths
Kindness
Small acts of kindness can shape an entire school year.
Look for books that encourage:
- Empathy
- Helping others
- Respect
- Compassion
- Welcoming new classmates
Adventure
School is an adventure, and books are one of the best ways to begin the journey.
Add exciting stories that spark curiosity and imagination.
Adventure books are especially helpful for students who simply want to dive into a great story.
Try This Today
Add a simple sign to your cart.
You might use one of these titles:
- First-Day Favorites
- Start Your Reading Adventure Here
- New School Year, New Stories
- Books to Begin the Year
- Looking for Your First Great Read?
- Welcome Readers!
Arrange the books face-out whenever possible.
A colorful cover often catches a student’s attention long before they read the title.
If you have room, leave a little space between books so each one has a chance to stand out.
Bonus Tip
Include books for a variety of ages, reading levels, and interests.
Not every student wants a funny story.
Not every student wants an adventure.
Some may be looking for comfort.
Others are searching for excitement.
A well-balanced cart helps every student feel like there is something waiting just for them.
As books are checked out, refill the cart with new titles throughout the first few weeks of school.
Students quickly learn that there’s always something new to discover.
A Little Encouragement
As librarians, we sometimes worry about choosing the perfect book for every student.
The truth is, we don’t have to get it right every time.
Our job is simply to open the door.
When students see a thoughtfully prepared cart waiting for them, they know someone cared enough to think about what they might enjoy—or what they might need.
That small act of preparation can lead to meaningful conversations, enthusiastic recommendations, and sometimes even a lifelong love of reading.
You never know which book will become a student’s favorite.
But by creating a “First-Day Favorites” cart, you’ve made it much easier for them to begin looking.
Reflection Question
If a student could check out only one book from your “First-Day Favorites” cart this week, which title would you most hope they would choose?
Why does that particular book belong on your cart?
For more in the August in the Library series, click here.
For more Library Administration posts, click here.
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