Creating a Culture of Reading in Your School Library

AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:

• Understand and articulate the critical need to foster a culture of reading in K–12 schools, supported by current literacy data and research.
• Identify and analyze specific barriers to reading engagement within your own school environment.
• Implement and share practical strategies for promoting a culture of reading.
• Explore peer-submitted ideas to inspire and inform your own library practices.
• Design and implement a customized, actionable plan to cultivate a strong culture of reading in your school community.

THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 4 ON-DEMAND MODULES:

Module 1: The Importance of Building a Reading Culture — Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Why is a culture of reading essential in today’s schools? What does the research say about literacy trends and student success? In this opening module, you’ll explore the latest literacy data and examine the critical role libraries play in addressing national reading declines. Participants will reflect on current research and begin envisioning what a vibrant, schoolwide reading culture could look like in their own context.

Module 2: What’s in the Way? Identifying Barriers to a Culture of Reading in Your School

What keeps students from reading? What barriers are unique to your school or community? This module helps you uncover the root causes of reading disengagement, from systemic challenges to school-specific obstacles. You’ll begin crafting thoughtful responses that meet students where they are and address real-world constraints.

Module 3: The Power of Programming — Creating Opportunities to Engage

How can library programming spark student interest in reading? What kinds of experiences draw readers in and keep them coming back? In this collaborative module, you’ll join a community of teacher librarians to share and explore ideas for reading-based programs and events that build excitement around books and reading.

Module 4: Bringing It to Life — Designing Your Reading Culture Action Plan

How do you turn good ideas into sustainable action? What does an effective reading initiative look like in practice? In this final module, you’ll synthesize what you’ve learned to create a customized action plan for your school. Participants will map out clear, actionable next steps tailored to their student population, community needs, and institutional resources.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE:

This course is designed for librarians and media specialists at secondary (grades 6–12) schools.

THIS WILL BE A SELF-PACED, ASYNCHRONOUS COURSE.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT:

This course includes 4 modules, each designed to take approximately 5 hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule. You’ll earn 25 hours of PD credit and a School Library Journal certificate of completion.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS:

You will have full access to the course for six months from the course start date.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:

Complete the course and earn 25 professional development credit hours. Certificates are emailed upon completion.

SUPPORT:

For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com.

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Holly Hoggarth, High School English Language Arts Teacher and Librarian, Denver, Colorado

Holly Hoggarth is a high school English Language Arts teacher and librarian in Denver, Colorado, with 18 years of experience in education. She holds an M.A. in English from Colorado State University and an M.A. in Learning Design & Technology from the University of Colorado, Denver. Holly is deeply invested in teaching research and media literacy to young people, believing these skills are essential for navigating the complexities of today’s world. She also finds great joy in connecting students to books and characters they relate to, knowing these connections can spark a lifelong passion for reading.

Shoshannah Turgel, Teacher Librarian, Boulder, Colorado

Shoshannah Turgel is a full-time Teacher Librarian in Boulder, Colorado, with 17 years of experience in the field. Prior to this role, she worked as a Research and Access Services Librarian at New York University. She holds an M.A. in Library and Information Sciences from Long Island University and an M.A. in World History from NYU. Shoshannah believes that reading fiction and nonfiction texts is the cornerstone of cross-curricular success. By fostering a love for reading and supporting critical thinking skills, she helps students thrive across all subjects and beyond the classroom.

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GROUP RATES

We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.

For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select Bulk Course Credits Packages in the form below.

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