Across the country, elementary school librarians are transforming reading into an exciting, student-driven experience. From student-designed challenges to designating a reading champion, they’re building a culture where books are celebrated and progress is shared. What’s driving this momentum? A mix of innovation, collaboration, and a little help from Beanstack.
We spoke with librarians and media specialists who are leading the charge in their schools. Their tips offer a practical and inspiring guide for cultivating a vibrant reading culture. Here’s what they recommend:
1. Get the Whole School on Board
Reading engagement is strongest when it reaches beyond the library and becomes a part of everyday life. Getting teacher and administrator buy-in is essential.
- At E.A. Gibson Elementary in Virginia, school-wide support helped them earn Trailblazer status early in the year. "Our principal has been very supportive and made it very clear that reading is an important part of what goes on here," says librarian Jay Stephens.
- At Rolling Hills Elementary in Florida, librarian Meghan Murphy focused on making Beanstack easy for teachers to incorporate. "It wasn't about adding more to their plate," she says. "It was about showing them how Beanstack could support what they were already doing."
Takeaway: Reading culture flourishes when everyone, from principals to teachers, embraces it as a shared priority.
2. Share the Mission & Spotlight the Milestones
Strong communication keeps everyone aligned, motivated, and aware of student progress.
- Rolling Hills Elementary utilized consistent communication to keep teachers informed and motivated. Meghan emails teachers three times a week with Beanstack stats, updates, and achievements.
- Gina Chandler, media specialist at Sea Castle Elementary in Florida, shared Beanstack updates during staff meetings, parent communications, and school-wide announcements.
- At Ventura Elementary in Florida, media specialist Taryn Kalsch partners with administrators to provide staff training, parent outreach, and classroom visits to keep the momentum going.
Takeaway: Regular communication and recognition help keep reading top-of-mind and build collective excitement.
3. Inspire Student-Driven Reading Culture
Giving students ownership over their reading experience turns engagement into enthusiasm.
- At E.A. Gibson, students took the lead. “It gives them a sense of responsibility,” says Jay. “They’re like, ‘Hey, I’m logging my reading and taking care of this myself.’”
- Sea Castle Elementary launched a Beanstack Ambassador Program, inviting student reading champions to spread the word to their peers. “What better person to promote Beanstack than someone who truly loves it?” says Gina.
- At Salisbury Central in Connecticut, fifth graders even designed their own reading challenges. “This activity bridges creativity and motivation,” says media specialist Jen Segalla. “It gives students a voice in shaping their own reading journey—and transforms Beanstack into something that feels truly theirs.”
Takeaway: When students have a say in reading programs, they take ownership and become more engaged and motivated.
4. Recognize Progress to Spark Engagement
Recognition goes a long way. Celebrating progress keeps students engaged, whether it’s a sticker or a school-wide shoutout.
- At Rolling Hills, posters featuring top readers and classrooms were displayed outside the library and in high-traffic areas.
- At Sea Castle Elementary, the Beanstack Ambassador visited classrooms and gave top readers rewards such as stickers, bookmarks, and goody bags.
- Ventura Elementary didn’t stop at students—they celebrated teachers, too! Ventura’s principal provided fun incentives, like goodie bags and extra classroom supplies, to teachers who brought students to the library.
Takeaway: Celebrating achievements—big or small—boosts morale and keeps students and staff committed to reading.
5. Use Beanstack to Make Reading Social and Fun
Beanstack offers tools that gamify reading, foster connection, and bring energy to reading programs.
- At Rolling Hills Elementary, students loved connecting using the Friends feature. “When kids see their friends reading and getting excited, it creates this incredible ripple effect,” says Meghan.
- At Salisbury Central, students earned brag tags and digital badges for completing their own custom-designed challenges.
- Ventura Elementary kept an eye on its district leaderboard to keep friendly competition going strong. “The students and staff are watching Ventura climb the ranks—and it’s driving them to read for fun!” says Taryn.
Takeaway: Gamification and social features amplify the fun factor, turning reading into a connected, joyful experience.
The librarians and media specialists behind these success stories prove that small, strategic shifts can make a big difference. Their tips remind us that when reading is joyful, student-centered, and celebrated by the whole community, it becomes essential to a school's culture.
Ready to ignite a love for reading at your school? Contact Beanstack today to see how we can help nurture a vibrant reading culture in your community.