School Library Programming is as unique as each librarian and learning community. One popular program in my suite is the Library Lunch Club(s).

I am on a fixed PK to Grade 5 schedule for just over 190 students. During the seven day rotation, I see PK for 30 minutes, K and 1 for 40 minutes per section and grades 2 through 5 for one hour per section. I also additionally schedule co-teaching and extra library time during research season. This schedule allows ample time for curriculum as well as reader’s advisory.

I have been offering Lunch Clubs since my first year here in 2017. I had an eager bunch of 5th graders that year – strong readers and active library users – this got me thinking about expanding programming.

Lunch Clubs were born! My schedule is such that offering 2 lunchtime clubs in the library during the 7 day rotation felt manageable.

Library Lunch Club:

• Open to 4th and 5th grade students
• 2 lunch clubs offered each year, one per semester
• No more than 10-12 students per, and only repeats if space allows
• Themes (except for first year) are decided upon by my student leadership group year prior
• Meet at least 8-10 times per semester, all semester long
• Option to drop after first meeting, then committed for remainder
• Eat lunch in the library or outside weather permitting for first half of lunch
• Create, learn, enjoy library and literary activities during second half of lunch
• Clubs offered so far:
  • Graphic Novel Club: appreciate the genre, create your own, pub in library
  • Picture Book Appreciation Club: appreciate the genre, create your own, pub in library
  • Newbery Club: Read Newbery winner and discuss book club style
  • Newspaper Club: appreciate the form and function, write your own and pub
  • Homemade Books Club: create accordion books and sew a handmade book together

I chose activities that I knew all of us would be able to dig into reasonably during the lunch hour. During all of these clubs, we talk books, laugh a lot, watch related videos, create original content and find community in our love for books, stories and sharing.

Lunch Clubs are here to stay. I really enjoy providing a unique time and space to explore the books and topics they love, while they enjoy creative expression. Please share one of your unique library programs in the comments below!