Training teachers and librarians

It takes support to unlock the power of books 

Skilled librarians and teachers are vital to running thriving libraries and helping children—and adults—discover the joy of reading. Yet in many of the places where we work, access to high-quality training and professional development is scarce. 

That’s why, whenever we create or refurbish a library, we also provide training for teachers and library staff. We also invest in building the skills of our partners so they can deliver training themselves. 

The training we offer 

Our programmes help people working or volunteering in public, school and community libraries gain the skills and confidence to support readers and promote books locally. Each course is tailored to participants’ roles and experience—so an experienced public librarian, for example, will focus on different skills than a teacher-librarian or community volunteer. 

Training covers a wide range of topics, from organising collections and running a lending library to using storybooks in the classroom and encouraging children to read for pleasure. 

We also strengthen our partners’ ability to provide ongoing training through our Train the Trainer programme. These more intensive courses equip staff from partner organisations to train and support teachers and librarians in their own communities, creating sustainable change.