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As a librarian, you are always on the lookout for exciting ways to engage your students in the love of reading and learning. Special days and events are excellent opportunities to bring everyone together, celebrate diverse cultures and interests, and promote literacy. In this blog post, we will explore some of the special days and events you can celebrate in your school library in the UK, along with book recommendations and activities to make the most of each occasion.
In addition, you can download a printable calendar of UK Special Days Dates to keep track of these exciting celebrations in your school library throughout the year here!
Harry Potter Day is a magical celebration that transports fans into the enchanting world of J.K. Rowling's beloved series. It's a day where the wonders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry come alive. In your school library, you can create a spellbinding atmosphere and engage students in activities that capture the spirit of Harry Potter by inviting students to a sorting hat ceremony, dress up as their favourite Harry Potter character or test student’s knowledge by creating a Harry Potter Trivia challenge. You can also celebrate this day by displaying these books in your library display:
May the 4th be with you! Star Wars Day is a chance to celebrate the much-loved franchise created by George Lucas. You can encourage your students to dress up as their favourite Star Wars character, hold a trivia contest, or screen one of the Star Wars movies. Here are some Star Wars-inspired book recommendations:
King's Coronation Day marks the day when His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will be crowned in Westminster Abbey in London this year. You can use this day to teach your students about the history of the monarchy and the coronation ceremony. You can also explore books about British history or royal biographies. Here are some recommendations:
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health. You can use this occasion to start conversations about mental health in your library, share resources and offer support. Here are some books that can help spark discussions and promote mental wellbeing:
The Children's Book Award is the only national award voted for entirely by children. It has been running for over 40 years and is one of the most prestigious awards in the UK. You can celebrate this day by inviting your students to vote for their favourite book from the shortlist or past winners. You can also hold a book club discussion or author visit to learn more about the selected books. Below is the list of 2023 shortlists for the older readers category:
World Day for Cultural Diversity celebrates the richness and diversity of cultures worldwide. You can use this day to explore different cultures through literature, food, music, and art. Here are some books that can help your students appreciate and learn about different cultures:
Who doesn't love cheese? National Cheese Day is a chance to indulge in your favourite cheesy snacks and celebrate the diversity of cheese. You can host a cheese tasting event or cookery workshop, where students can learn how to make their own cheese or dishes that feature cheese. Here are some books that will get you salivating:
D-Day is a significant event in world history, marking the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. You can use this day to teach your students about the impact of the war on people's lives and the importance of peace. Here are some recommended books:
World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of oceans and marine life. You can use this day to teach your students about the impact of human activities on the oceans and ways to protect them. Here are some books that can help inspire your students to care for the oceans and marine life:
Father's Day is a special day celebrated to honour fathers and father figures for their love, support, and guidance. In your school library, you can organize activities that involve students creating heartfelt cards, writing stories or poems about their fathers, or even hosting a special event where fathers are invited to read aloud to the students. Here are some recommended books that celebrate fatherhood:
The Carnegie Medal is a prestigious award that honours outstanding children's literature. Yoto Carnegie Final is the day when the winner is announced. You can use this day to celebrate the joy of reading and recognise the outstanding contributions of authors and illustrators. Here are some recommended books from the 2023 shortlist:
Windrush Day celebrates the arrival of the first Caribbean immigrants to the UK in 1948 on the ship Empire Windrush. You can use this day to educate your students about the history and contributions of the Windrush generation, as well as the ongoing issues surrounding immigration and racism. Here are some recommended books:
There are many special days to celebrate in your school library in the UK. These days provide opportunities to educate, inspire, and connect with your students, promote diversity and inclusivity, and celebrate the joy of reading. By incorporating books and activities related to these special days, you can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters a love of learning and a sense of belonging.
We hope you found this blog helpful in planning your library's events and activities throughout the next couple of months.
As you prepare to celebrate these special days, we would love to hear from you and see how your library is bringing them to life. Whether you're creating a display, hosting a book club discussion, or organising a reading marathon, we want to know all about it!
Please feel free to share your photos, ideas, and success stories with us by emailing communications@softlinkint.com. We look forward to seeing your creativity and dedication to promoting literacy and lifelong learning in your school community. Thank you for all that you do!
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