10 Ideas for a Successful Open House in the School Library

If you’ve ever spent weeks prepping your library space only to have a handful of families trickle in during open house, you’re not alone. It can feel discouraging when your library, so full of potential, is overlooked. Open house night is a golden opportunity to introduce your families to all the library has to offer beyond just checking out books. With a few strategic ideas in place, you can turn it into a meaningful and memorable experience for your students and caregivers alike. Today, I’m sharing 10 creative and practical ideas to help your library stand out and leave a lasting impression!

Start With Take-Home Tools That Inform and Engage

1. Hand Out Informational Bookmarks

Families get a flood of papers at an open house. Many of them don’t make it out of the backpack, purse, or folder. Instead, try handing out bookmarks packed with quick facts about checkout policies, an overview of your library program, or even recommended reads. Add a QR code linking to your library’s website or catalog so parents can learn more at their convenience.

Bookmarks are simple to print, easy to keep on hand, and feel more fun than a traditional flyer. I’ve found they’re more likely to end up on a fridge or tucked into a book than tossed in the recycling bin. If you’re not able to pass them out during open house itself, just slide them into your students’ folders during the first week. You can even attach them to the first book they check out. If designing bookmarks sounds overwhelming, I’ve got a free, editable set you can download and customize in just a few clicks.

2. Share a Library Open House Slideshow

A slideshow is a simple way to showcase your space and your role, whether families are walking in-person through the library or tuning in virtually. Display it on a loop during open house, or share the link ahead of time. Include details like:

• Library checkout procedures
• About me section (include a fun fact!)
• Your library assistant (if you have one)
• Stats about how many books are in the library or how many classes you serve
• A peek at special events, book fairs, and recent new arrivals

Don’t worry if you don’t have every detail figured out at the start of the year. If you’re still finalizing checkout procedures or scheduling, it’s okay to include a slide that says, “Stay tuned!” Being transparent shows your parents you’re planning thoughtfully. You can grab my free editable library slideshow in both PowerPoint and Google Slides formats from the free resource library. It’s an easy way to create a polished presentation without starting from scratch.

Create Interactive Stations That Invite Families In

3. Host a book raffle

Nothing pulls people in quite like a chance to win a free book! Gather up a small stash of books and display them at a raffle station. These can be books from the donation box, extras you have gathered, or gently used books you no longer need. Provide simple entry slips where your students can write their name and class. Then, let them drop them in a basket when they visit the library.

Announcing winners during the first week of school adds to the excitement and gives your students one more reason to be enthusiastic about coming back. This can be an especially great idea for younger students or reluctant readers. Free books have a magical way of getting our kiddos hooked on reading.

4. Makerspace or Family STEM Station

Bring out simple supplies like building bricks, cups, craft sticks, or pipe cleaners. Then, let your families take on a mini STEM challenge together. Keep it low prep and hands-on. Think of challenges like building a tower that can hold a book or designing a bridge with only these materials. They’re simple enough while still sparking creativity and curiosity.

This is a fantastic way to show your families that the library is about more than books. It’s a place for exploration, problem-solving, and making. If you’re unsure what to try first, grab a free family STEM challenge from my resource collection. It’s ready to print and easy to set up on a table with minimal prep.

5. Set Up a Coloring or Craft Table

This one’s especially helpful if your families are bringing younger siblings along. Keep all kiddos engaged (and parents free to chat) with a station full of crayons, coloring pages, or scrap paper for drawing. Even your older students often enjoy a few minutes of quiet coloring, especially if you print out book-themed or seasonal pages.

Want to go a step further? Try a simple craft like creating a personalized bookmark or a paper book buddy they can keep with them on their next reading adventure. These activities don’t have to be fancy. They just need to be enough to help kiddos feel like they’re part of something fun happening in the library. Plus, this kind of low-key activity creates a warm, welcoming vibe.

Build Community During Your Library Open House

6. Team Up With Other Specials Teachers

You don’t have to do the open house alone! Reach out to the other specials teachers, music, art, PE, technology, and brainstorm ways to create a shared presence. You might set up a booth in the cafeteria with flyers and meet-the-teacher handouts, or run a simple scavenger hunt that leads your families to each of your locations in the school.

If your team is up for it, you could even present a quick welcome video or slideshow introducing each specials teacher and what they’ll be teaching this year. This helps your families understand that specials aren’t “extra.” They’re an essential part of their child’s education. Plus, working as a team shows your families that your school values collaboration.

7. Host a book fair

While it may take some planning, a book fair during open house can be a great way to get your families into the library. If you’re new to hosting one, start small. Companies like Follett offer flexible options, and you can always choose a time later in the year if Open House feels too hectic.

Even if you’re not running a full fair, consider setting up a table to promote your upcoming book fair dates. Include posters, sample books, or a short sign-up sheet for parent volunteers. Building excitement early makes your book fair more successful down the line. It also shows families that the library is a hub of reading and literacy all year long.

Help Your Students Create Positive Connections During Library Open House

8. Let Your Student Check Out Books at Open House

If your school allows it, open your shelves for student checkouts during open house. This is a great way to build anticipation and ownership, especially for new students who have never been inside a school library. Encourage your parents to help their child find a book they loved as a kid and share a quick memory together.

If checkout logistics feel tricky, you can still make this moment special. Set up cozy reading nooks or displays with “Staff Picks” and invite families to sit and read together. Even just browsing books and talking about favorite characters can help build a positive association with the library from day one.

9. Set Up a Photo Booth or Shelfie Booth

Use props or printable signs (you can find free back-to-school ones online) and create a little photo station with a fun background. Decorate with bulletin board paper, streamers, or even book-themed posters. Provide signs that say things like First Day Reader or I ♥ My Library.

I love a good play on words! Try a “shelfie” station where your families pose while reading a favorite book together. You can ask permission to share photos in a digital newsletter or print them for a hallway bulletin board. It’s a simple, sweet way to create memories and spotlight the joy of reading.

Gather Helpful Feedback and Reader Insights

10. Pass Out Reading Interest Surveys

Want a quick and easy way to learn about your readers? Have your students fill out a reading interest survey during open house. Ask about their favorite books, genres, characters, and whether they prefer graphic novels or chapter books. These surveys are gold for recommending books and planning library displays.

If paper isn’t your thing, set up a few iPads or Chromebooks with a Google Form version. That way, your students can complete the survey right there. Then, you’ll have the responses organized in one place. If you own one of my library planners, it already includes several student-friendly surveys ready to go. All you need to do is just print and set out on a table with clipboards and pencils.

Ready to Try Something New This Year?

If you’re looking for tools to save time and take the guesswork out of planning, head over to my free resource library for your open house needs. Inside, you’ll find editable bookmarks, a library slideshow, reading interest surveys, and more. They are all designed to help you feel confident and prepared without starting from scratch. With these resources, you can focus on creating a meaningful and memorable experience for your students and their families.

Make Your Library Open House a Moment to Remember

Your library open house night doesn’t have to be just another item on your back to school checklist. It can be a meaningful moment that sets the tone for how your families view your library all year long. With a little creativity and a few intentional touches, you can turn your space into a place where your students and caregivers feel welcomed, informed, and excited about all the learning that’s ahead. Whether you go all-in with several ideas or just try one new thing this year, your efforts to make the library visible and valued truly matter.

Additional Resources

Looking for more support as you plan for the school year ahead? Whether you’re setting up your space, growing professionally, or searching for new funding opportunities, these blog posts offer helpful tips and inspiration to guide your next steps. Each one is filled with ideas to help you feel more confident, supported, and ready to make this school year your best yet.

• Tips and Advice for a New School Librarian
• The 10 Best Professional Development Books for Librarians
• 10 Library Grants Every Librarian Should Apply For

Save for Later

Getting your library ready for open house can feel like a whirlwind, especially in those busy back to school weeks. If you’re not quite ready to start planning, be sure to pin this post to your favorite librarian board on Pinterest. That way, when you’re ready to make your library shine, you’ll have all these ideas and free resources right at your fingertips!