National Library staffers Crissi Blair and Tracey Greenwood share ways National Library Services to Schools can support school communities.
Building a thriving reading culture
As literacy shapes futures and stories cultivate empathy, fostering a culture of reading in schools has never been more critical. The National Library Services to Schools is an invaluable partner for educators, library staff, and school leaders in this mission. Whether you’re a principal or senior leadership team seeking strategic guidance, a classroom teacher eager to inspire readers, or library staff wanting to create inviting and inclusive spaces and collections, our wide-ranging support can help transform your approach to literacy and reading engagement.
Why reading matters more than ever
The link between reading for pleasure and student success is well-established: reading boosts vocabulary, critical thinking, empathy and more. Yet, amidst the demands of a crowded curriculum, digital distractions and changing initiatives, promoting reading for pleasure, and making space for it in the school day can feel like an uphill battle.
This is where the National Library Services to Schools can step in, offering services, resources and expertise tailored to the unique needs of Aotearoa New Zealand schools. We offer access both to specialist collections, resources and research to make the case for why reading for pleasure should be a priority, providing schools with evidence and strategies to advocate for this at every level. From senior leadership meetings to parent information, we offer resources to make the case for why reading for pleasure should be a priority in any literacy programme.
At the heart of fostering a reading culture is our School Reading Community Framework, which provides a comprehensive starting point for building a thriving reading community. This framework outlines the key components of creating an environment where reading is valued, visible, and actively promoted.
From this foundation stems the Teachers Creating Readers Framework, an evidence-based model designed to empower teachers to become enthusiastic reading role models. By guiding educators through the interconnected ways that they can create readers, the framework equips them to inspire students authentically. After all, when teachers are passionate readers, their enthusiasm becomes infectious.
We also offer practical strategies to embed reading for pleasure into daily routines. From book talks to informative blogs (Create readers; Libraries and learning) to curated reading lists, we have a kete of support designed to make reading a joyful and integral part of school life. For senior and middle leaders, it’s a roadmap to fostering a reading culture that aligns with broader educational goals.
National Library also leads and supports national reading initiatives such as Te Awhi Rito NZ Reading Ambassador.
Making the most of your school library
Libraries are more than repositories for books; they’re hubs of inspiration, learning, belonging and creativity. The National Library’s Services to Schools support extends to helping schools develop their library services and spaces. Facilitators work with library staff to create welcoming environments that invite exploration and discovery.
Whether it’s advice on layout, library design, services, collections or programming, the goal is to ensure every library becomes a cornerstone of its school’s culture. With our help, even the smallest library can become a vibrant centre for literacy and learning.
Even if you don’t have a library space, there are many ways to bring library and reading into your school environment. Get in touch if you would like support to do this in your school.
Engaging tools
Reading Identity Cards and Chatterboxes
Understanding and celebrating individual reading identities can be a game-changer in engagement. The Reading Identity Cards and Chatterboxes are simple yet effective tools to spark conversations about books. They’re perfect for classroom activities, library sessions, or even staff professional development. They encourage users to reflect on reading preferences, share recommendations and explore new genres and ways of being a reader. These resources help build a community of readers who feel seen and valued by making reading a social and reflective activity.
Digital resources to enrich teaching and learning
In a digital world, having access to high-quality, easily accessible resources is vital. The National Library’s website is a treasure trove for teachers and library staff. With curated content including teaching guides, these resources can save time and inspire innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Any Questions is a free online service 1—5pm Monday to Friday, where students work with a trained librarian to assist with research questions, finding trustworthy online resources. As well as individual help, Any Questions can run classroom demonstration sessions. A great way to start the year.
Many Answers is the companion to Any Questions where links and resources on a wide variety of New Zealand topics. It’s not just a list of resources but also has explanations about useful keywords to use, why websites are considered trustworthy and how to navigate them. Filter by year level and check out the regional resources.
He Tohu: Information and teacher resources for He Whakaputanga (Declaration of Independence), Ti Titiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and the Women’s Suffrage petition. Find teaching and learning resources and information about class and staff sessions with specialist educators.
Topic Explorer: Find curated sets of resources on a wide variety of topics, including video, images, articles, websites, books and more. These are particularly useful for topics where there are not many books available.
Tuia Mātauranga: Highlights local people, places and events that have helped shape our nation. The histories of Aotearoa New Zealand, have multiple perspectives; some are presented here for you to explore. It includes Curiosity Cards and He Meka! He Meka! slides to spark student inquiry and conversations about Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich bicultural heritage. Explore themes related to Women’s Suffrage, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and first encounters.
Resources for teaching Aotearoa NZ histories topics: A wide range of quality resources to support teaching and learning about topics covering the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Kupenga: Find images and stories from the Alexander Turnbull Library. Stories are written in either te reo Māori or English. Links to further information sources are provided.
EPIC databases: Gives access to thousands of online resources covering all curriculum learning areas from primary to secondary. Includes magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and more. To find out your school password and log on for use at home, ask your school librarian or contact 0800 LIB LINE.
Digital Pasifik: An online digital website of artefacts from around the Pacific Islands. Personal responses and stories about the artefacts can be written and posted on the website.
DigitalNZ: Search more than 300 million New Zealand items from over 300 collections all in one place. Includes images, video, audio, newspapers, reference and more. Students and teachers can create and share their own stories.
Try the Primary Source Analysis suite of tools for examining various primary sources: published and unpublished documents, maps, objects, photos and artworks. There are three levels: explore, analyse and critically analyse.
The lending service: the glory of the books
The Lending Service is a cornerstone of the National Library’s support, providing schools with access to a diverse collection of books tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking to stock your library or classroom with engaging reading material, contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand literature, or if you need specific titles or books for a curriculum focus, the service ensures your shelves stay relevant and engaging.
The collection comprises over 500,000 quality books for children and young adults. It’s not just about quantity but quality. The curated collections are designed to align with age groups, interests and curriculum requirements, and our expert librarians carefully put loans together to ensure students can find a book that resonates with them. This service is a boon for all schools, and especially those with limited budgets, enabling equitable access to top-tier resources.
In addition to picture books, fiction and non-fiction for all levels of schooling, we have a number of special collections including a large selection in te reo Māori, and a World Languages collection with 27 different languages. The Accessible collection includes books in large print and dyslexic font and VOX audio-enabled books. Books are sent out to schools free of charge, and there is a special discount freight deal with NZ Post for returning books.
Personalised support and professional learning
No two schools are the same, and the National Library’s Service to Schools facilitators understand this. Facilitators bring a wealth of expertise to the table, helping schools navigate everything from creating engaging library spaces to delivering tailored professional learning that addresses specific challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s a workshop on promoting reading for pleasure, learning about digital resources, or strategies for revitalising your library, the focus is always on practical, actionable outcomes. They also run online professional learning for anyone across the motu, that provides practical advice and guidance.
Bringing it all together
The National Library Services to Schools is more than a resource provider; it’s a partner in creating a culture where stories thrive, readers flourish and become skilled in finding resources for their learning. By offering practical tools, personalised support, and a wealth of expertise, we empower schools to unlock the transformative power of reading, developing literate, critical seekers of information through effective library services to support literacy and learning across the curriculum.
So, whether you’re a principal strategising for the future, library staff curating collections and inclusive environments, or a teacher igniting a love of books and learning, we’ve got something here for you. Dive into the resources, connect with a facilitator, and watch as your school community embraces the joy of reading.
For more information and to explore how Services to Schools can support you, visit our website.
To get in touch with your local facilitator, or ask questions about National Library’s services for schools call 0800 LIB LINE (0800 542 5463) Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or email schoollibraryadvice@dia.govt.nz
Crissi Blair
Crissi is a facilitator in the Services to Schools National Capability team. She was a judge for 2018, and Convenor of Judges for the 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Crissi received the Storylines Betty Gilderdale Award in 2019. She is NZ Coordinator, writer and reviewer for Magpies magazine.
Tracey Greenwood
Tracey is the Senior Specialist Developing Readers in the Services to School Reading team. She has previously worked within primary and secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand and England. Her roles have included a Curriculum Learning Designer, a school-wide literacy programme developer, an English teacher, a Dean, and a mentor teacher.