Passionate about school libraries.
Teacher Librarian, Professional Reader
Book reviews, school librarian resources and professional learning at
madisonslibrary.comWhat is a school library? I’m not sure it’s a question many people ask themselves. School libraries just exist, right? For those of us who work in a school library, it’s probably something we know the answer to, very deeply and thoroughly. But what exactly is a school library? Is it a home for…
What is a school library for?
What is a school library? I’m not sure it’s a question many people ask themselves. School libraries just exist, right? As those of us who work in a school library, it’s probably something we know the answer to, very deeply and thoroughly. But what exactly is a school library? Is it a home for collections of books? A space for reading, for learning?
Happy February. This month features Queensland School Library Week and Library Lovers' Day and so it seems a fitting month to celebrate and love on all things school libraries. I hope you find some joy in these articles, webinars and posts. Many feature back-to-school tips and tricks and good…
Professional Learning: February 2026
Happy new year. I know, we are already a month in, but this is my first professional learning list of the year, so it feels right to start with the traditional new year greeting. This month features Queensland School Library Week and Library Lovers' Day and seems a fitting month to celebrate and love on all things school libraries. I hope you find some joy in these articles, webinars and posts.
Before the term started, we made lots of changes to our library area. I love making these changes, moving furniture and changing the purpose of areas to suit student needs and respond to different behaviours.
One of the changes we've made this year is creating a reading area. This is a space…
Changing Spaces – Creating a Reading Area
I love changing the spaces in my Library. We are regularly changing things around, moving furniture and changing the purpose of areas to suit student needs and respond to different behaviour or events. This year we’ve pretty much changed every area of the secondary library. That includes making changes to the study area, changing the layout of collections on the ground floor and creating a new reading area.
This is honestly a library task I love doing (okay, there are very few I don’t enjoy). Updating my budget for each year. I’m not a numbers person. Ask me to count, multiply or do a simple sum and I simply can’t, so having a good understanding of my library budget is really important. It’s something…
Updating my library budget for the year ahead
This is honestly a library task I love doing (okay, there are very few I don’t enjoy). Updating my budget for each year. I’m not a numbers person. Ask me to count, multiply or do a simple sum and I simply can’t, so having a good understanding of my library budget is really important. It’s something I enjoy doing at the start of each year, or late in the previous year, depending on when I get my total for the year ahead, and it helps me keep track of what funds I have, what I can spend on each area of my library service and specifically target funds towards projects as needed.
In the summer holidays I enjoy spending time planning my library lessons for the year ahead. It’s a relaxed, more creative time and I enjoy jotting down my ideas and planning out the year. It’s an adaptable plan, that changes depending on the needs that arise during the year, but I love having a…
Planning Library Lessons for the Year 2026
In the summer holidays I enjoy spending time planning my library lessons for the year ahead. It’s a relaxed, more creative time and I enjoy jotting down my ideas and planning out the year. It’s an adaptable plan, that changes depending on the needs that arise during the year, but I love having a solid plan to start the year.
As many of you know, each month I put together a list of professional learning opportunities for fellow school library staff. They might be links to video recordings, podcasts, webinars or articles and blog posts. I collect them over the month from my own professional learning network and from my…
Content in an age of AI
As many of you know, each month I put together a list of professional learning opportunities for fellow school library staff. They might be links to video recordings, podcasts, webinars or articles and blog posts. I collect them over the month from my own professional learning network and from my favourite go-to sources of information and learning. Last month I came across a post on LinkedIn that at first glance looked great.
It’s that time of year again. End-of-year parties, final award assemblies and the push to send students home with as many books as possible for holiday reading. That means it’s also time to sum up the year in an annual report.
I have to say, creating an annual report is one of my favourite library…
Creating my annual report 2025
It’s that time of year again. End-of-year parties, final award assemblies and the push to send students home with as many books as possible for holiday reading. That means it’s also time to sum up the year in an annual report.
Well, my dear readers, we've almost made it to the end of another year. A year full of changes, challenges, successes and wonderful professional learning opportunities to grow the strength and capacity of our school libraries. I hope these professional learning lists have been helpful over the past…
Professional Learning: December 2025 – January 2026
Well, my dear readers, we've almost made it to the end of another year. A year full of changes, challenges, successes and wonderful professional learning opportunities to grow the strength and capacity of our school libraries. I hope these professional learning lists have been helpful over the past 12 months. Here's to another year ahead of wonderful learning together. To finish and start the year, as has become tradition, I am combining the December 2025 and January 2026 list, and taking a break for the summer.
If you are in Australia, you are probably aware of the social media delay that is rolling out in early December 2025 for children below 16. It’s something that all schools and school libraries should be aware of and now’s the time to take some steps to ensure you are ready. As a teacher librarian…
Social Media Delay – impact on the school library
If you are in Australia, you are probably aware of the social media delay that is rolling out in early December 2025 for children below 16. It’s something that all schools and school libraries should be aware of and now’s the time to take some steps to ensure you are ready. The eSafety website is a great resource for finding guidance and sharing with students and caregivers.
Hang around any school and the word curriculum is one you’ll hear a lot. It’s the roadmap teachers follow — the planned sequence of knowledge and skills that shapes what students learn and how they grow.
But step into the school library and the question might be asked: does the library have a…
Does the school library have a curriculum?
Hang around any school, and the word curriculum is one you’ll hear a lot. It’s the roadmap teachers follow, the planned sequence of knowledge and skills that shape what students learn and how they grow. But step into the school library, and the question might be asked: does the school library have a curriculum?
To say this is a jam-packed edition of my monthly professional learning opportunities list feels like an understatement. There are so many incredible articles, reflections, frameworks, webinars and resources to help you with your professional goals this month. From AI (and lots of it) to keeping…
Professional Learning: November 2025
To say this is a jam-packed edition of my monthly professional learning opportunities list feels like an understatement. There are so many incredible articles, reflections, frameworks, webinars and resources to help you with your professional goals this month. From AI (and lots of it) to keeping students reading, there's something for all school library staff.
Incredible presentation from Karen Eyre on how she advocates for her school library and position through the programming, events, marketing and connections she builds.
An inspiring session with lots of practical ideas and encouragement.
#SchoolLibraries #FutureLibrariesConferenceHelpful sessions at the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference from SCIS, Reading Australia and SLQ with updates and resources to use in our space and to share with our departments and teachers.
#SchoolLibraries #FutureLibrariesConferenceMassive congratulations to Kelly Dunham, the incredibly deserving winner of the @qldsla School Leader of the Year award and to Assunta Austin and Lizzy Dixon, dual recipients of the @qldsla Teacher Librarian of the year award.
#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearningAndy Griffiths kicking off the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference with a funny (of course, would you expect anything else), but also nostalgic and provoking keynote.
#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearningExcited to be at the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference.
Looking forward to a full day of learning and connecting and catching up with the amazing school library profession of Queensland, near and far.
#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearningOne of the things I love most about having a genrefied library is that it is constantly evolving and allows us the flexibility to meet student needs and interests. So, when Romantasy became a big thing, we decided to jump on that trend and respond to the love our students have for romantasy. The…
Creating a Romantasy Section
One of the things I love most about having a genrefied library is that it is constantly evolving and allows us the flexibility to meet student needs and interests. So, when Romantasy became a big thing, we decided to jump on that trend and respond to the love our students have for romantasy.
Author and illustrator visits are such important and exciting events to host and organise. Not only do they support our incredible local and national book creators and promote their works, they bring literature to life through engaging presentations, detail-driven writing sessions, or hands-on…
Preparing for an author / illustrator visit
Author and illustrator visits are such important and exciting events to host and organise. Not only do they support our incredible local and national book creators and promote their works, they demonstrate to students that there is a real person behind those works (important in this age of AI) and that it is a rewarding carer path. Authors and illustrators bring literature to life through engaging presentations, detail-driven writing sessions, or hands-on workshops.
If you work in a school library, I’m going to assume you do some planning. Planning displays for the term, planning events or author visits, planning what books to purchase, what collection to stocktake, what section to promote next, or planning library lessons and programs. But how often do you…
Why Every School Library Needs a Strategic Plan
If you work in a school library, I’m going to assume you do some planning. Planning displays for the term, planning events or author visits, planning what books to purchase, what collection to stocktake, what section to promote next, or planning library lessons and programs. But how often do you think about how those plans work together to form a big picture or a targeted focus or direction?
The start of term always feels full of opportunities. New projects, fresh ideas, requests from staff and students - it’s exciting, but if I’m honest, it can also feel overwhelming.
I often find myself with more written than shared, more ideas than time, and a to-do list that grows faster than I can…
Overwhelmed with opportunities
Do you know how many times I shared a post on my website last month? Once. Just my month professional development list. Do you know how many posts I have sitting in my draft folder, either fully written, half formed or in the ideas stage? 111. That’s oddly neat. And kind of sad. What stops me from posting? Obviously there is the eternal overthinking, imposter syndrome, and self doubt.
Well, it is almost the end of another term. For me, the term break is a chance to slow down, take lots of walks and naps, plan for the term ahead, and dive back into my professional reading and writing, something that I tend to drop during the busyness of the term.
This holiday included a visit to…
Term 3 holidays reflection and wrap up
Well, it is almost the end of another term. For me, the term break is a chance to slow down, take lots of walks and naps, plan for the term ahead, and dive back into my professional reading and writing, something that I tend to drop during the busyness of the term.
And just like that, another month has come and gone. October 2025. It feels like a big month in the world of school libraries. There is an abundance of professional learning opportunities for school library staff this month, so here's your list of webinars, podcast episodes, articles and more.…
Professional Learning: October 2025
And just like that, another month has come and gone. October 2025. It feels like a big month in the world of school libraries. The new school year is in full swing in the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere is either mid-way through a term break or just about ready to get stuck into the fast and furious pace of term 4.
Welcome to September 2025. A month for learning, exploring, or maybe just recovering from the massive month of August. I am determined to get as much professional learning as I can this month, particularly around areas of interest and relevance to me. As always I have curated a wonderful list of…
Professional Learning: September 2025
Welcome to September 2025. A month for learning, exploring, or maybe just recovering from the massive month of August. I am determined to get as much professional learning as I can this month, particularly around areas of interest and relevance to me. As always I have curated a wonderful list of professional learning opportunities for you, including webinars, podcasts, articles and more.
School libraries have always been more than just a room full of books. Today, in an age of AI, a need to support young people’s wellbeing, misinformation, and a complex and confusion online world, they are essential hubs for every kind of literacy students need to thrive, from media and AI literacy…
Why school libraries and their staff matter more than ever
Take a walk around my school library with me. It’s lunchtime and the place is buzzing. Upstairs there are students quietly studying. In the small rooms, students meet for boardgames club and Dungeons and Dragons club, forming friendships over shared experiences and interests. A group of year 11 students browse the shelves and sit and chat. They come across my pile of new books to show my younger classes and dive into the new non-fiction titles.
We all know the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But in school libraries, students do it every day, and they should. Book covers are designed to sell book. They’re crafted by talented illustrators and graphic designers who know how to capture attention, adhere to trends, and entice…
Don’t Judge a book by its spine: the importance of forward facing
We all know the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But in school libraries, students do it every day, and they should. Book covers are designed to sell book. They’re crafted by talented illustrators and graphic designers who know how to capture attention, adhere to trends, and entice readers. Covers are visual invitations and works of art. In a world where we compete with screens and short attention spans, using book covers as part of our reader engagement strategy is essential.
August - a massive month in the school library calendar here in Australia and a big month of preparing to return to school in the northern part of the world. Between all the Book Week preparations and celebrations or holding onto your last bit of summer, you might find time to squeeze in some…
Professional Learning: August 2025
August - a massive month in the school library calendar here in Australia and a big month of preparing to return to school in the northern part of the world. Between all the Book Week preparations and celebrations or holding onto your last bit of summer, you might find time to squeeze in some professional learning. If so, I have rather an epic list for you, with webinars, podcasts, articles and more.
At the start of this year, I wanted to really focus on my library lessons and design them to be more strategic in what I wanted to achieve. As a teacher librarian, there is so much content to cover: curriculum unit related items, reading promotion and dedicated reading time, library skills,…
Planning library lessons for the year – secondary school
At the start of this year, I wanted to really focus on my library lessons and design them to be more strategic in what I wanted to achieve. As a teacher librarian, there is so much content to cover: curriculum unit related items, reading promotion and dedicated reading time, library skills, information literacy and research skills, digital and AI literacy, as well as celebrating special events like Book Week and author visits.
Cue the confetti. Madison’s Library, this little ol’ slice of the internet, is turning 10 years (and 6 months) old today. Okay, so I kind of missed the big milestone at the beginning of the year. I had no idea that I’d been writing, reviewing and sharing for 10 years. Here’s the old cliche, time…
Happy 10 Years (and 6 months) anniversary
Cue the confetti. Madison’s Library, this little ol’ slice of the internet, is turning 10 years (and 6 months) old today. Okay, so I kind of missed the big milestone at the beginning of the year. I had no idea that I’d been writing, reviewing and sharing for 10 years. Here’s the old cliche, time flies. But serious. I would have guessed maybe 5 or 6 years.
Book Week is not far away. If you are a fan of dressing up or need a costume idea, why not dress up as a character from one of this year's CBCA Book of the Year Award Notables.
Here's a list of costume ideas to get you started.
#SchoolLibraries #BookWeek #BookWeek2025 #BookAnAdventure…
Book Week: Easy costume ideas from the 2025 CBCA Notables
Book Week - Easy costume ideas from the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Notables Book Week, one of the biggest literary events in the calendar. And let's face it, the highlight (and big stressor) of many Book Week celebrations is a book character dress-up parade. Finding a costume, especially at the last minute, isn't always easy. So that's why I create lists of super-easy, super-affordable and super-book-related costumes that you can throw together with wardrobe staples.
Sharing a few Book An Adventure themed bookmarks and images, perfect for creating book bags and t-shirts.
#BookWeek2025 #BookAnAdventure #SchoolLibraries #Reading #Bookmarks #FreeDownload
Book Week 2025: Bookmarks, T-Shirts and Tote bags
Book Week 2025: Bookmarks, T-Shirts and Tote bags The CBCA Children's Book Week is an epic celebration in school libraries and classrooms across the country. The theme for 2025 is Book An Adventure.
Hello July. Here's a little list of professional learning for you this month. What are you enjoying learning about?
#SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #Education #SchoolLibraryStaff #Learning
Professional Learning: July 2025
Well, goodbye June and just like that it is July. Whether you are enjoying summer holidays or winter holidays or are just counting down the days until you are on a break, I hope this list of professional learning opportunities finds you well.
Firstly, I'm sorry I'm sharing this a few days late (June already people, it's hard to believe), I was busy having so much fun at the ASLA conference in Geelong over the weekend. It reminded me about the importance of making time for professional learning. While I curate these lists designed to…
Professional Learning: June 2025
Firstly, I'm sorry I'm sharing this a few days late (June already people, it's hard to believe), I was busy having so much fun at the ASLA conference in Geelong over the weekend. It reminded me about the importance of making time for professional learning. While I curate these lists designed to enable us to learn from work or home, there is something very specially about connecting with other school library staff and sharing our journeys.
Had the most wonderful time at the ASLA Conference in Geelong. Connecting, sharing and learning. Follow along for key takeaways, ideas and moments.
#SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearning #ASLAConference2025There is so much to love about a makerspace in the school libraries. And you can create one no matter the size of your budget. Makerspace allow you to have the resources on hand to support creativity and hands-on learning, and it's the perfect match for literature, learning and reading. But with…
Stocking Up: Essentials to Get Your Makerspace Started
There is so much to love about a makerspace in the school libraries. And you can create one no matter the size of your budget. Makerspace allow you to have the resources on hand to support creativity and hands-on learning, and it's the perfect match for literature, learning and reading. But with so many different resources, equipment items, and tech tools to choose from, the possibilities for what to stock in your makerspace can seem endless - and overwhelming.
It was time for a change. Thanks to the incredible team, today we made some changes in the makerspace, moving the drone cage into a new position, moving the esports computers, moving prototyping material shelving. I love how it looks and feels!!
#SchoolLibraries #Makerspace #Change #LibraryLifeMakerspaces in school libraries, the combination of creativity, hands on learning and literature. It’s a match made in heaven. Whether you want to reinvigorate your current makerspace or start one from scratch, it’s an easy thing to do no matter what sized space you have. Makerspaces in school…
Finding space: Creating a makerspace in your school library
Makerspaces in school libraries, the combination of creativity, hands on learning and literature. It’s a match made in heaven. Whether you want to reinvigorate your current makerspace or start one from scratch, it’s an easy thing to do no matter what sized space you have. Makerspaces in school libraries can be little nooks, trays of activities spread throughout the space, trolleys of activities brought out at lunchtime, or large dedicated areas.
It’s been ages since I’ve read a young adult contemporary romance this good. A romance with fairly low drama, with depth of character backstory, with a quick but authentic connection between our love interest and a setting that is relaxing and enjoyable and believable. Honestly, in a time where I’m…
Book Review: Tell Me Every Lie
Tell Me Every Lie - Ellen Hagan and David Flores - Bloomsbury YA Published 24 June 2025 ♥♥♥♥♥ It’s been ages since I’ve read a young adult contemporary romance this good. A romance with fairly low drama, with depth of character backstory, with a quick but authentic connection between our love interest and a setting that is relaxing and enjoyable and believable.
If only I had more time to read. Can you relate?
My next reading graphic design is all about how to make time for reading.
You'll find all the downloadable templates on my website, along with the other graphics in this reading series.
What reading topic would you like to see…
Reading Graphics: Finding Time to Read
Trying to convince our students to read can be tricky. We have to compete with the many activities and distractions that take up time in their lives. Sharing the research about why reading is good for them and tips on how to get back into reading can be one way to assist this process. There is plenty of research and information around the benefits of reading, how to select a good book, or make reading a habit, but we need it in easily digestible formats with which students can engage.
It's time for another month’s professional learning list (don't the months just fly by?)
Whether you're looking for a three-day challenge to become a future-ready school library professional, up-skill on AI and digital fakes, or grab a resource to help you unpack the CBCA Book of the Year…
Professional Learning: May 2025
Welcome to another month’s professional learning list. Whether you're looking for a three-day challenge to become a future-ready school library professional, up-skill on AI and digital fakes, or grab a resource to help you unpack the CBCA Book of the Year Shortlist, I hope this list will have something to inspire you. Happy learning.
I love having a (rather large) makerspace in my school library. But even if your makerspace is a few items on a trolley or tray, a makerspace can have a big impact.
Should we still be making space for making in our libraries? I explore the benefits and considerations of makerspaces in school…
Should I Have a Makerspace in my School Library?
If you are reading this, then you are probably interested in setting up a makerspace in your school library. Or perhaps you already have one and are not sure if you should continue to support a makerspace. What are the benefits? How do you manage resources? And how exactly does it fit into the overall school library ethos?
Back to work for the start of Term 2. Lovely to be greeted with a lovely stack of new books - thank you
#AmazingLibraryTech.
#BackToWork #SchoolLibraries #Term2 #DayInTheLifeofATL #SchoolLibraryStaff #NewBooksAt the start of the school year, we had the opportunity to run a reading for wellbeing session with staff.
I've done a write up of how we organised this - including a link to my favourite chocolate cake recipe (because snacks).
#SchoolLibraries #Staff #Reading #Wellbeing #ProfessionalDevelopement
Staff Wellbeing Session
We all know reading is good for our brains and our mental health. And we all know prioritising wellbeing is key to surviving this thing called working in a school. So when our deputy approached me last year to run a reading for wellbeing session at the start of the new year, I’d love to say I jumped at the opportunity with enthusiasm and gratitude.
I am loving the new features shared in Canva Create. So many wonderful ways to expand on what we can do with Canva in the library and classroom, support teachers and students to use AI and bring their ideas to life.
www.canva.com/canva-create/
Canva Create
Canva Create is an annual creativity event. Canva Create 2025 featured 100+ speakers and 60+ panels, workshops, product demos, and more. Watch now.
Time for some more reading graphics. Back to the benefits of reading with this one, 15 graphics that highlight individual benefits of reading. They are animated, so can be used as videos, as well as printables or to display on screens and presentations. Who knows, maybe they'll inspire one of your…
Reading Graphics: Benefits of Reading series
Trying to convince our students to read can be tricky. We have to compete with the many activities and distractions that take up time in their lives. Sharing the research about why reading is good for them and tips on how to get back into reading can be one way to assist this process. There is plenty of research and information around the benefits of reading, how to select a good book, or make reading a habit, but we need it in easily digestible formats with which students can engage.
I’m very much enjoying putting the finishing touches on my presentation for the TLPLC conference in May. Non-fiction is one of my favourite topics and there is so much to cover and so much to love about non-fiction. Register
sites.google.com/syd.catholic...
#SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalDevelopmentShelving can really make or break a school library. It provides the home for our collection, the space to showcase books and tempt students with their next great read. But shelving can also make or break a space, providing flexibility or limiting the space. And you know it if your shelving doesn't…
Selecting shelving for a school library
The shelving is such a key component of a library, because yes while a library is so much more than just a collection of books, the collection is a key and important part of the library. And shelving can make or break a space through the flexibility and accessibility you need to make the space work. In my role I oversee two library spaces.
