Join In

How do I participate?

Join us in the Dear School Library Project and tell us what makes your school library special. It could be the staff, the collection, the amazing programs, or something else that is unique to your library. Whatever it is that makes your school library special to you, let us know. And, just like there are many different school libraries, there are many ways to share how amazing they are. Check out the ideas and templates below for how you can share the Dear School Library Project in your community.

What does the Dear School Library Project in my SLLC involve?

It could be any or all of the following:

• Hearts of various sizes for people to write or draw on their message about what their school library means to them (see below for templates)
• A laptop/Chromebook (with camera/microphone) so students can record a video or voice message for greater accessibility (see below for access to Book Creator & Boardmaker templates)
• Poster paper for students to illustrate their thoughts/feelings in their own creative way (collage, drawing, poster, multimedia piece, etc.)
• Lined paper for students to write traditional “love letters” in hard copy

[NB: please ensure students have signed media releases for any audio or video recordings that are shared with OSLA or Canadian School Libraries.]

Need another format?

Please take a look at the variety of template options below so all our voices are captured.

Need inspiration?

Check out the gallery of Dear School Library love letters created by students across Ontario.

Let’s get social.

Considering taking a picture of your Dear School Library “heart” and use the hashtag #DearSchoolLibrary to spread all the school library love.

OR

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR #DEARSCHOOLLIBRARY JOY!

How do I run a Dear School Library Project in my SLLC?

After seeing this project unfold in school libraries across Ontario we know one thing is certain, there is no “one right way” to do the Dear School Library Project. Every school community is unique, and that means that every Dear School Library Project is going to be implemented in its own unique way. So do what works for you! We’ve provided a bunch of different templates and resources that we hope will be helpful. And a whole gallery full of pictures to show you what others have done to provide some inspiration. We can’t wait to see how the Dear School Library Project unfolds as it spreads across #libraryland!

Dear School Library Templates

Letters of Support

Sometimes you need a little help getting members of your school community on board. Here you will find some template letters meant to serve as inspiration for you to garner support from all the various members of your school community that you will want to have engaged in your Dear School Library Project. It could be as simple as a letter or conversation that explains what this is all about!

Letter to Superintendent

Letter to Parent Council

Letter to School Board Trustee

Letter to School Community

Letter to School Staff

Letter to Students

What does the Dear School Project look like?

Check out these images from other schools & libraries that have already run a Dear School Library Project in their school community.

How do I share?

First, there is no pressure to share anything you do in your SLLC. We understand that social media and cell phone policies make this very difficult in school boards in many jurisdictions. If you are able to share and feel comfortable doing so, we would love to see how the Dear School Library Project unfolds in your school community.

Use the hashtag #DearSchoolLibrary on social media.

OR