The school library is about more than literacy and ICT – it should be a safe haven for all pupils and should cater for the whole child. Valerie Dewhurst offers some practical ideas

Over my many years working in schools, and across the many libraries I have seen and managed, I have learned that students benefit from the solace and protection – the safe space – that the library often provides throughout the day.

Allowing the library to be many things to many students can be quite challenging for the librarian, but ultimately the library can offer crucial social and emotional support.

There are many ways that my school library has become a safe space. It provides a comfortable environment with soft furnishing, colourful artwork, promotional posters and inspirational quotes.

The library space itself is often a refuge for students, a safe space where they are comfortable and free to be themselves. The library is a physical and emotional place of safety, away from tough situations and helps to overcome the stress students may have to encounter during the day.

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